The coach of the Melton men’s hockey side, Glenn Lawrence, is confident his side has what it takes to return to the Victorian League finals this season.
The Mustangs went down a development path in 2015, getting games into a number of the club’s talented youngsters with an eye on fast-tracking their progress.
They have a season of senior hockey under their belts and some experienced recruits have joined the group, so Lawrence is confident his side can make a jump up the ladder this year.
“The guys are in a situation where they are fit,” Lawrence said.
“We have made sure we have done extra sprint work, extra resistance work and we have worked a lot on our skills.
“I think we need to judge our season on … making a drive and really showing the rest of the competition that we have progressed.
“I think the only way to do that is to make the finals.”
Lawrence said the key to taking the next step would be putting more scoreboard pressure on opposition teams.
Repeatedly last season, the Mustangs were matching sides in general play but were unable to find the back of the net.
“I think these experienced players coming in will give our younger guys the confidence to score,” Lawrence said.
“These guys coming in know where the goals are.
“I think it will allow us to win a few more games and really make a dive for that top-four position.”
On the pitch Melton will be led by Ryan Self, who has been appointed captain.
John Kovarik has been named vice-captain while Bo Kelly, Myles Bentley and Andrew Arnold make up the club’s leadership group.
Lawrence said Self was the ideal choice for the captaincy.
“Ryan has been captain before, he is the club’s goalkeeper for the firsts and has been with us since the juniors,” he said.
“He has taken leadership roles before and really put his hand up this year. It is great that he wants to do that.”
Melton will begin its 2016 Vic League 3 campaign with a home match against Old Melburnians on April 16.
