It was a case of the worst and then the best of Melton South as it took on North Ballarat City in the Ballarat Football League on Saturday.
Playing their first game in three weeks, the Panthers were slow out of the blocks, scoring only two first-half goals.
Although down by 69 points at the main break, they didn’t drop their heads, losing the second half by only four goals and going goal-for-goal in the final term.
The final score was 25.16 (166)- 10.8 (68).
Panthers coach Mark Pedersen said he didn’t think it was the lack of football in recent weeks that caused the poor start.
“We started terribly and that’s been a problem all year,” he said.
“We need to learn how to play four quarters.
“We lost the second half by only four goals so when the effort was there, our footy was good. It’s very frustrating.”
Pedersen said it wasn’t a case of fitness, but more of a young side still learning to play together consistently.
“We have a lot of young players who still have to learn to play in this quality league. They are struggling to match it, physically and mentally, for four quarters. If I knew the answer to playing four quarters, we would have fixed it by now.”
Marc Dransman kicked three goals for the Panthers, with Daniel Hiller and Angus Storey kicking two each.
Daniel Leggett was adjudged the Panthers’ best player, Pedersen adding it was also his best for the club.
While the seniors remain winless, Panthers’ reserves recorded their first win of the season.
“It shows we have a bit of depth,” Pedersen said.
“We’ll look at promoting two or three of those guys next week.
“We have taken steps forward, and the future is good for this club.”
Elsewhere, Sebastopol caused the upset of the season by knocking off Darley.
In a match the reigning premiers were expected to win, the Devils were left to rue poor kicking in front of goal.
Despite having fewer shots at goal, the Burras won, 8.10 (58)-5.18 (48).
Bacchus Marsh also had a disappointing weekend, losing to Redan 10.10 (70)-7.13 (55).
Melton returned to the winners’ list, with a 16-point victory over Ballarat. Melton sits outside the six, behind East Point and Darley on percentage.
