By Tara Murray
Melton Phoenix put on a demolition job against an undermanned Melbourne Lions in the qualifying round of the FFA Cup.
In their first official hit-out of the season, the Phoenix were at home against an undermanned Lions team, which had just nine players.
The Phoenix were in control at half-time, leading 6-1, before running over the top of the Lions to win 24-1.
Phoenix shared the goals with Jonathan Dunn stunning with eight. Chris Briggs (5), Jason Moody (4), Jordan Borg (4) and Michael Kapiris (3) all made big contributions.
Heading into that first game, coach Darren Traynor said they were hoping to at least get to the second week of the cup, which they have done.
Traynor said there was a lot of excitement at the club on and off the field with a focus on the proper FV state league 5 west season.
“Going by what people are saying, they’re pretty excited,” Traynor said.
“The pre-season has been good.
“The list is looking good and we have a bit of depth as well. It’s been pretty good and pretty positive.
“The feedback we’ve been getting from past players and people still involved, it’s an exciting time.”
PHOTO GALLERY: Melton Phoenix vs Melbourne Lions
Traynor said Phoenix, which has had one loss in their past 12 games and finished sixth last season, would have a different looking side this season.
He said talent wasn’t his focus when looking to bring players into the club.
“My big thing, and it’s got the full support of the committee, we want good people and don’t want to sign someone on just ability.
“Good character is important and we want the young kids to feel comfortable. If we can get that right then things will flow.”
While the Phoenix’s list has undergone some changes, Traynor said they were still looking to add a couple more players.
They’ve signed goalkeeper Ekic Semir, while a couple of former players including Jordan Borg have returned to the club.
“We’ve signed a couple of boys who I used to coach in the NPL in the under-18s and under-20s.
“There’s some boys from Point Cook and a keeper from another club and a couple of others from Spring Hills.
“We’re chasing one or two more defenders. We have a lot of attacking players, it’s normally the other way round.”
Traynor said they have a full book of pre-season games lined up ahead of the season start on March 15.
In other FFA Cup qualifying matches, it was a tough ask for Bacchus Marsh against Bundoora United. United won easily, 12-0 and will join Melton in the next round
