By Tara Murray
Melton will be playing for its first grand final appearance since 2005 when it takes on East Point in a semi-final clash on Saturday.
In pre-season, few would have predicted Melton would be a contender after failing to reach Ballarat Football League finals for 11 years.
But the Bloods surprised even themselves by finishing third in the regular season and then went on to win an elimination final on Saturday.
Bloods coach Aaron Tymms said everyone was ecstatic after the 10.16 (76)-8.6 (54) win against Lake Wendouree.
He said it was reward for effort on and off the ground in recent years.
“I wouldn’t have picked this at the start of the year,” Tymms said.
“They seem to be getting better each week.
“We just wanted to improve. We can throw caution to the wind this week and have a real red hot crack. If it goes pear-shaped we still have another chance.”
The Bloods led at every change on Saturday but couldn’t get away from the Lakers until the final quarter.
Tymms said it was tough conditions, with the rain making it slippery and hard to mark.
As a result the game was full of stoppages.
He said despite a lack of senior footy finals experience, the playing group didn’t take any nerves into the game.
“They didn’t seem too fussed,” he said.
“They’re a young playing group and most have played finals in juniors.
“They just all did their normal routine and were having a laugh and dance before the game.”
Once out there, the Bloods looked the better side for most of the day. A period in the third quarter saw the Lakers hit back and the coaching staff got a bit nervous.
“They got back to within nine points,” Tymms said. “The boys stood strong. They fell away in the stoppages around the ground in the third quarter and we were able to fix that and get the ball going forward.”
Darren Haby kicked four goals in a best on ground performance.
Tymms said it was hard to pick the best players, but others to stand strong were Ben Archard in the ruck, Jaycob Hickey and Liam Carter.
The Bloods this week face East Point for a spot in the grand final. East Point won the qualifying final against North Ballarat City, 9.10 (64)-9.9 (63).
Tymms said they wouldn’t take much out of their only meeting this season.
“We played them back in round three and got beaten by two points.
“Both sides are a little bit different.
“We’ll be interested looking at the tapes of their game.”
