A new game plan could be Melton’s secret weapon in the early stages of the Victorian women’s hockey league season.
The Mustangs have been working on their playing style during the pre-season, and it appears to have had an immediate impact.
The Victorian League 2 outfit was ultra competitive against higher ranked opponents Werribee, La Trobe Uni and CV Blazers during practice matches.
While keeping the exact changes to the game plan under wraps, Melton women’s coach Ron Shadbolt said the results, so far, had been encouraging.
“So far, we have played five matches using the new structure,” Shadbolt said.
“I think the positive results have given the women a lot of confidence for the season.
“We didn’t field our strongest senior team or our strongest reserves team in those matches.
“We played a few young players because we wanted to see what they can do.
“They have all come away on a high and we are really excited for the season.”
Shadbolt will share coaching duties with David Gorton this season.
The pair were also co-coaches last year.
Shadbolt said the biggest difference he sees between this pre-season and last is the competition for spots in the top side.
“We have introduced five new juniors and they are all performing very well, especially considering that, for some of them, it is their first taste of VL hockey,” he said.
“The plan for this year is to introduce as many young players as possible, who we think are capable of playing in this league.
“We have also got a strong senior group. That group of players also know that their job is to get these young players blooded, help their system on the field, and then these young guys can start taking over.”
Melton will begin its season against WestVic Hockey Club on April 16.
