Tara Murray
The buses and cars from Melton will be headed down the highway to Ballarat after Melton’s seniors and reserves made it through to the Ballarat Football League grand final day.
The Bloods, who finished on top of the ladder in both grades, needed just one opportunity to make it through to the final day of the year.
Bloods president Brian McNabb said everyone was pretty excited to have both teams through.
“From a club point of view it’s the best thing,” he said. “It’s very satisfying and in reality it’s been a three year program due to COVID
“To be able to play a full season and get there is amazing.
“Every club has had their challenges. Two sides in grand finals means a big couple of weeks for the club and the community of Melton.”
McNabb was quick to point out the development of the players, with the majority of them having played their junior football at Melton.
Just two players are worth more than one point under the player points system, showing how much local talent they have in the squad.
On Saturday, the seniors beat Sebastopol to secure their spot in the grand final. The Bloods had to come from behind to win, 12.14 (86)-8.7 (43).
McNabb said they were their own worst enemy early, not making the most of their opportunities.
“By half time it was an even game,” he said. “The third quarter was the key one and it set it up for the last quarter to take the game.”
After the main break, they kicked six goals to one to seal the win.
Liam and Ryan Carter kicked three goals apiece.
Liam Carter, Riley Walker and Brett McIntyre were named the Bloods best.
The Bloods reserves are also through to the grand final.
They also beat Sebastopol, 8.7 (55)-6.5 (41).
McNabb said their seniors had got through unscathed and they would have a full squad to pick from for the grand final.
“We’ll have a full squad plus a couple more to pick from for the seniors,” he said. “I don’t envy the coaches who have to make the decision.
“One way or another most players are likely to get a game, but there will be some in the reserves who would have liked to have been playing seniors.
McNabb said the group would keep things as normal the next two weeks, with this weekend off.
He said with everything working there was no need to change anything.
McNabb said having hosted finals the last two weeks they had seen a number of new people come down and their supporter base was growing.
