By Tara Murray
Melton Centrals are hoping to finish its season on a high in the Riddell District Football League.
After equalling last year’s win tally, Centrals have two matches to go ahead of that total.
On Saturday they made it win number six of the season, beating Broadford.
After an even first half, Centrals kicked away to win 18.8 (116)-2.8 (20).
Coach Mathew Sproule said he was happy with how they played out the game.
“Broadford took it up to us early,” he said.
“We had been playing clunky football, but the second half was more like it.
“Broadford generally drop away after half-time. We thought we could stretch them in the second half, as they don’t have the same fitness.”
Daniel Foley fired up Centrals in the third quarter, dominating off half-back with a best on ground performance.
Dylan Weir kicked six goals, while Jarrod Johns kicked five.
It was a return to form for Centrals. Sproule said their forward line had struggled the past eight weeks making it hard to string the wins together.
He said their game had dropped off after losing to Woodend-Hesket, which ended their finals’ hopes.
“That game took the air out of us,” he said.
“That game was disappointing with the attitude.
“Now it’s about getting some reward for effort. We play Rockbank this week and Macedon the week after.
“If we play like last time, we will finish one game and percentage outside of finals.”
Sproule said he was unsure if they had closed the gap on the top six, but they were still focused on the long-term goals.
All but one Centrals junior side made finals, while their under-19s will also play finals.
Their reserves are still a chance of making finals as well.
“We’re not consistent against the top teams,” Sproule said.
“With the points system and a lot of new blokes, we’re not gelling as well as we wanted.
“It’s not necessarily about making finals. It’s about making sure we’re in a position to play finals regularly.”
In other results, Rockbank lost to Macedon 33.22 (220)-1.1 (7)
