Melton recovered from a slow start to beat Melton South by 57 points in the Ballarat Football League’s rivalry round on Saturday.
After the two sides combined for one of the matches of the season in round 4 – which Melton won by five points – it was a tough start at MacPherson Park, with neither team able to take the early momentum.
PICTURE GALLERY: Melton v Melton South
On the back of two early goals, the Panthers went into quarter time leading by seven points.
But that lead disappeared in the next term and the sides went to half time locked together on 4.7 (31).
Needing a win to keep alive their finals hopes, the Bloods emerged from the
break fired up and began to break the game open.
Melton kicked six goals in the third quarter followed by seven in the final term to seal the 17.13 (115) to 8.10 (58) win. Bloods coach Brad Murphy was impressed with his side’s ability to finish the match full of running.
“Twice this year we’ve had really close first halves with them,” he said.
“In the second half we really blew them out of the water which is a credit to our fitness and our fitness staff.
“We put in a great pre-season and have had a great training plan.
“It was really evident in that second half that our fitness has paid off.”
Melton was led superbly by Western Jets pair Liam Carter and Mark Orr, who were able to play because of a TAC Cup bye.
Both had a big impact on the second half turnaround.
“They didn’t have Mathew Sutton, who was a late withdrawal. That allowed us to put Carter into the forward line and he kicked four in the second half,” Murphy said.
“Orr went into the ruck in the second half and we really started to get some ascendancy there. He’s an absolute gun.
“For both of them to be able to come back to us and have dominant games was great.”
Melton now turns its attention to a clash with Darley this week.
Last time the two sides met, the Bloods led with 10 seconds to go before a Darley goal tied the scores.
“I’m expecting a really good effort,” Murphy said.
“It could have easily been a win for us last time, which gives us a lot of confidence and belief.
“We’re going to have a really strong side next week because I think Werribee actually has a bye.
“That means Jason Robinson will get to play his first senior game for Melton.
“We’ll get a few back again and we’re hoping we can put in a good effort.”
