Tara Murray
There was some sense of normality on Saturday when arch rivals Melton South and Melton kicked off the Ballarat Football League season.
After two years of local football being impacted by the pandemic, fans flocked to Melton Recreation Reserve to see the two old rivals face off.
Melton came away with the points in the 21.14 (140)-9.6 (60) win, but the big winner was the local sporting community.
Bloods coach Aaron Tymms said for them the biggest thing was being able to get back out there and play for four points.
“It was obviously really good to get the win,” he said. “It was good to play football for everyone.
“There was a pretty good crowd down there and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, the club rooms were full.”
Tymms said while the scoreboard would show an 80 point win, it didn’t tell the full story. He said both teams had their periods of dominance.
“We played some really good footy in the first half,” he said. “The first half of the third quarter was alright as well.
“I reckon South outplayed us for a quarter and a half. We got some junk time goals that blew the scoreboard out.
“Even in the first quarter it was about us taking our opportunities in front of goal.”
Tymms said being able to convert was pleating after not being able to that during the practice matches.
Ryan Carter kicked five goals up forward, while Jack Walker has started the season really well.
Blake Souter was awarded the Darren Stanley Medal as the best player on the ground for his work off half back.
Tymms was also full of praise for Lachie Phillips.
“He had a huge game on [Dylan] Conway,” he said. “He pretty much kept him to no goals besides a down the field free kick.
“He was the leading goal kicker last season.”
For the Panthers, Brody Sullivan kicked two goals, with Jarrod Biibby and Sam Hurst named their best.
Both sides have the week off due to a split round because of Easter.
The Bloods face the Sunbury Lions after the break. It will be the club’s first official match on their new home deck.
In other matches, Bacchus Marsh and Darley both started the season with wins.
The Cobras won a thriller against Ballarat.
The Cobras led at each of the breaks and were able to hold on to win 11.10 (76)-10.14 (74).
The highlight of the match was Daniel Velden playing in his 300th match. He was set to play that game last season, before COVID-19 interfered.
For the Devils, they were able to sing the song for the first time since August 24, 2019.
It was a nervous final quarter for Devils fans as Sebastopol made their run late. The Devils were able to hold on, winning 10.12 (72)-9.12 (66).
Mace Cousins, Shane Page and Jack Bowled were named the Devils best.
Brett Bewley and Joel Cadman kicked two goals each.
