Melton is building an imposing forward line for the upcoming Ballarat Football League season.
Having already added big man Lachlan Sidebottom to their list, the Bloods have also signed former Western Bulldogs AFL player James Mulligan.
Standing at 200-centimetres tall and 100-kilograms, the key forward put pen to paper on a deal with Melton last week.
Bloods’ coach Brad Murphy was rapt to have the Mulligan on board.
“To have that bail-out kick is great for our guys,” Murphy said.
“We knew at the end of last season we needed to work on our forward structure. We probably weren’t quite tall enough down forward.
“We probably didn’t have enough marking options and we needed some more firepower to be able to kick goals.
“We made a real focus to go and get some height and some really good quality players.
“For our guys to now have the confidence to be able to kick it to a former AFL player is great.
“He will play key forward for us all year.”
Mulligan was drafted by the Western Bulldogs with pick four in the 2008 rookie draft.
He was elevated the club’s senior list the following season and went on to play three senior games.
Although they are yet to play a senior game for the Bloods, the impact of both Mulligan and Sidebottom can be seen in the group already.
“James’ training habits are fantastic and Lachlan Sidebottom hasn’t missed a session either,” Murphy said.
“We have picked up some other guys as well who have been up the front in all the running.
“The intensity levels at training have gone from 60 per cent last year to close to 100 per cent now.
“ It is a real focus we have made to lift our intensity at training.”
Wait, there’s more
For more news on the Bloods’ pre-season campaign, check out the coming edition of Melton Star Weekly and online.
