There was no easing into the Ballarat Football League season for Melton as it faced finals-like pressure in its opening round win against Darley.
The Bloods have usually opened their season against Melton South and had some big wins against the struggling Panthers in recent years.
With Melton South leaving the competition, the Bloods faced another finalist from last season in the Devils first up.
Bloods coach Troy Scoble said it was a different feeling.
“Playing Darley first up, it was like finals first up,” he said. “It was a tough contest.
“Last year we were able to build into the season, where this year we hit the ground running.”
Scoble said with the week off after round two, a hard fought contest early on was really good for them.
He said both sides were pretty tired come the end of the game.
It was the Devils that got off to a better start but there was not much between the sides at any of the breaks.
The Bloods were able to do enough to come away with a 9.13 (7)-8.7 (55) win.
Scoble said they had to work hard to get the points.
“They jumped us early on in the game and their pressure was really high,” he said. “We settled into the game.
“Both defences were on top and it was a struggle with the contested footy. It was a real see-sawing game with a lot of contests.
“It was a finals-like feel and fortunately we were able to convert a few in the last quarter.
Ryan Carter and Braedan Kight kicked two goals each for the Bloods.
Scoble said it was a real midfield battle and he was happy with how they held up led by Jaycob Hickey, Blake Souter and the two Walkers, Jack and Lachlan.
Jordyn Cotter and Lachie Watkins were both strong down back.
For the Devils, Michael Edwards kicked four goals. Former St Kilda and Essendon player Nick Hind was best for the Devils in his first game for the club.
The Bloods, who also unveiled their premiership flag on Saturday, have managed to keep their core group together again.
Scoble said they were missing four or five of their best side on Saturday.
“We’re giving younger players an opportunity,” he said. “It’s something we’ll look to continue to do all year to bring that next group in.
“Ben McMahon, who returned to the club this year, Oscar Greenshields, Chase Scoble, Harrison Hanley and Josh Stewart all came into the team.
“Billy Crofts is back at the club, he was a junior here. He’s VFL-listed with Footscray, so we’ll see how many games we are with him.”
While they are the defending premiers, Scoble said they don’t see themselves as the hunted.
He said they go in with the mentality they want to be the best team in the competition.
Bacchus Marsh also kicked off its season with a win as it beat Lake Wendouree, 19.10 (124)-10.11 (71).
Jake Owen kicked seven goals in the win, while Josh Huxtable was best on ground with four goals.
