Melton Centrals’ disappointing season continued with a less-than-competitive performance against Woodend-Hesket on Saturday.
Two of the Riddell District Football League ladder dwellers, both sides were looking for a rare win.
Unfortunately for Centrals, they came up against a determined Hawks side who proved too good.
The Hawks won 12.17 (89)-4.4 (28).
Centrals coach Glenn Hopkins said it was one of his team’s more disappointing performances of the season.
“I thought we had a chance, but the things that have been disappointing for us were probably more disappointing today,” he said.
“Our will to make a contest and stay in a contest has been a bit of a problem for most of the season.
“We haven’t done that often enough and consistently enough all season.”
The Hawks’ greater want of the ball set up a number of forays forward, something Centrals couldn’t match.
“On a wet day like [Saturday], you’ve got to be able to really want the ball inside and we didn’t have that,” Hopkins said.
“It comes back to winning the first ball [in contests] and then you’re going to be able to set up and find space and kick the ball well, like they did.
“They set people away from contests and found space, which worked well for them.”
Centrals’ loss was compounded by playing the last half with only two players on the bench.
For more pictures of Saturday’s game, CLICK HERE
But Hopkins said that was no excuse for the way they played.
“You’ve got to be able to step up and be versatile,” he said. “We need players who would step up and play in different positions and we haven’t to be able to do that.
“Whether you’re experienced or not, you have to do it. One or two injuries shouldn’t hamper how you play if the attitude is there.”
Jonathan Ferri and Junior Oneone were named Centrals’ best in the loss.
Hopkins said they would use the rest of the season to try to build for next year. It will mean players learning new positions.
Oneone is one who has shown some glimpses in a number of positions.
“Junior plays in the ruck in the thirds and he’s probably our best centre half-back,” Hopkins said. “He did all right up forward last week and we thought ‘what have we got to lose’.
“We have to try the kids in different roles and give them more experience. We had three who had to play the under-18s and seniors and they are happy for the challenge.
“They’ve been great and are role models for the older players with their attack on the ball and what they want to do with it.”
Centrals have a bye this week.
