Melton build on youth

Melton’s Amy Schwarze and Werribee’s Brittany McIntyre contest the ball. Picture Shawn Smits

Melton Hockey Club is working on this season as a base for the future.

With several off season departures and a change of coaches, the club is looking at a fresh start.

Jason Knight and Scott McLaren have taken charge of the women’s program this season. They have previously played together for the men’s side.

Knight steps up to the role having been involved with coaching juniors. McLaren coached the men’s side for six years.

Knight said he was loving the challenge of the older age groups.

“I was coaching under-14s last year,” he said. “It’s a bit of a change having helped the juniors the last five years. I had some success there.

“I want to bring through what I learnt with the juniors into the seniors. I want to bring cohesion and a culture of team-orientated success.”

Knight said there was a focus on youth this season, and several players would be given the opportunity to move up.

“The core group of players are still here,” he said.

“There’s lots of juniors who are being exposed to a high level of competition. The next two to three years it’s a renewed focus on developing players and pushing every player to their potential.”

It’s been a tough start to the season for the Mustangs in Vic Premier League 2. Facing the undefeated Werribee on Saturday, the Mustangs were on the wrong end of a one-sided match, losing 16-0.

The Mustangs have conceded 32 goals in their first three matches.