It may not even be round one yet, but Melton South Football Club coach Mark Pedersen has already had a win.
After taking on the top job at the Panthers late last year, the incoming coach’s first order of business was to hold on to the club’s exciting young players.
Now in the heart of pre-season, Pedersen is rapt that all have stayed.
“That was the highest priority,” he said.
“Going forward, they are the future and it’s going to take some time to build this team. In two or three years, I would like to think that the club will be in a really good position player-wise.
“It’s the most important thing, to keep those young guys.”
With his young players in check, Pedersen is now hunting some experienced key-position players to fit around them.
He said the club would most likely be aiming for players of local football background to fill any voids.
Having previously coached at VFL level, Pedersen is already putting his connections to good use: the Panthers are working with the same fitness trainers used by VFL side Coburg.
“One thing’s for sure, the players will be fit,” he said.
“I have been over every game they played last year and, in nearly every game, they were in it for some time.
“That’s an indication that, if you can be in the game for one, two or three quarters, there is no reason why you can’t be in it for four.
“That is obviously a lack of fitness and a lack of mental capacity to work through the pain barrier in the last quarter. That’s something we are working on.”
Melton South begins its 2015 campaign against local rival Melton in round one.
As far as expectations for the season go, Pedersen isn’t concerned with ladder positions but is instead hunting respect.
South finished ninth last year.
“We want to be a competitive and disciplined outfit. We will be a very fit outfit,” Pedersen said. “That’s the most important thing … we want to be competitive and respected.”
