Going into the Ballarat Football League season, Melton coach Brad Murphy knew he didn’t have a big key forward who would give him 80 goals.
Instead, the Bloods were intent on having all hands on deck to kick a winning score.
For Melton, that game plan starts at the last line of defence … from their first three games, for two wins and a loss, the Bloods have conceded an average of just 44 points.
Murphy said defensive pressure right across the ground had been a key focus right throughout the pre-season.
“We really wanted to make sure we kept our defensive structures sound,” he said.
“We’ve played 12 quarters and I reckon 10 and a half have been good.
“If all 12 had been good we would be 3-0 and on top of the ladder.”
The lapse Murphy is referring to is a horror start against Sunbury, when the Bloods had to wait until the second half to secure their first goal.
While Melton teams of the past may have struggled to come back, the Bloods were able to limit the damage, fighting to be in a winning position in the final term before a late charge from the Lions.
Melton has won its other two games easily, smashing both arch-rival Melton South and Sebastopol.
Murphy was full of praise for off-season recruit Jack Walker, who has fitted in brilliantly since joining from Williamstown.
“Jack is probably our fittest player,” Murphy said.
“He has played in three VFL development premierships in the last three years. He played in the TAC Cup before that.
“He has come from a high level over the past five years and he is very experienced and very professional with the way he conducts himself.
“He averages around 30 possessions a game playing off half back and going through the middle. He’s another one who sets the standards at training and game day.”
Melton can turn its positive start into a brilliant one this week if it can topple East Point.
Murphy believes both clubs will be fighting for a finals spot come the business end of the season.
“We’ve spoken about how important this game is and we’ll be pumped up,” he said.
“Later on in the year this can really effect the ladder position. This is an eight-point game.
“It is a massive game for us. They have some quality players in their side and we know we will have to be at our best.”
The match will be played at Melton’s MacPherson Park on Saturday. The first bounce is at 2.15pm.
