By Tara Murray
Melton feels it is tracking along nicely in the Ballarat Football League.
It’s been a solid start for the reigning premiers, whose first loss of the season came in round six in the grand final rematch against East Point.
On Saturday, the Bloods were able to quickly bounce back and take home the points against Bacchus Marsh.
Bloods coach Troy Scoble said while there was somethings they need to work on, they were quite positive with the direction they’re taking.
“We were pretty positive about the week before,” he said. “We had a really good game last week and it’s hard to win away from home this year.
“We were playing against a quality side and there was only a goal in it. We were positive with how we played.
“It was nice to get back on the winners list though.”
Scoble said Bacchus Marsh had improved on last season and really tested them in windy conditions at Macpherson Park.
It was a five to six goal breeze at one end of the ground which both sides used well in the first three quarters.
The game opened up in the last quarter with the Bloods able to win, 15.20 (110)-12.7 (79).
“It was more about what you did against the breeze,” Scoble said. “We were able to kick three goals in the final quarter against it to hold off the margin in the end.
“It was a positive as we focus on every minute of every game and we fought it out to the end.
“Neither side went in defensive mode, it was an attacking game. It was taxing on both sides.”
Liam Carter and Braedan Kight kicked four goals each for the Bloods.
Kight and Jaycob Hickey were named their best.
Jake Owen kicked four goals for the Cobras, while Luke Goetz and Jake McCreery were named their best.
The win has Melton sitting 6-1 after the first seven rounds. It is one of four sides with that record.
Scoble said with a tough road run early on, they’re sitting in a nice place at this time of the season.
“We’ve played four games in Ballarat, only two to go,” he said. “We’ve been lucky to have the games early in the season when the weather has been better, except for last week.”
The Bloods face another test this week, hosting the Sunbury Lions, who also have a 6-1 record.
Scoble said it would be a really good test.
“They have built their list really well in the last couple of years and improved under Matt [White].
“Them and Darley have set the standard this year. Us and East Point are building into the season.
“It’s a great opportunity to beat one of the best two sides.”
In other matches, Darley continued its good start with a 12.12 (84)-7.18 (60) win.
Nick Hind and Lucas Impey were named the Devils best.
