Panthers hold their nerve

Dylan Jones was outstanding in the ruck against Lake Wendouree. (Joe Mastroianni). 275568_02

Tara Murray

Melton South showed signs of maturity as it held on for a big win in the Ballarat Football League.

The Panthers had to dig deep to get their third win of the season against Lake Wendouree, with scores level in the last quarter.

Without a couple of their stars, the Panthers found something late to win, 12.4 (76)-10.10 (70).

Panthers coach Heath Pritchard said this result said a lot about the group and their development.

“To get a win like this with a lot of guys out was excellent for us,” he said.

“The most pleasing thing for us, was when they came at us we didn’t fold like we would have in the past.

“They drew level and we were still able to win the game. It’s important for us, and it showed the maturing of the group now.

“We’re coming from a long way back.”

The Panthers led at every break after a six goal to two first quarter on the road and despite missing the likes of Dylan Conway and Jake Thornton-Gielen.

The Lakers found their groove in the last quarter, but the Panthers kicked the last goal of the game to get the win.

William Thornton-Gielen and Daniel Vasjuta kicked three goals each in the win.

Pritchard said there was a real spread of contributors.

“Sam Hurst played at full back and was really good, as was Dylan Jones in the ruck,” he said.

“Daniel came in and kicked three goals as a small forward.

“It was an even performance and stars like Billy Lloyd and Shaun Wyatt were okay without being outstanding.

“We had stars out and stars not having their best days and we still won.”

Pritchard said they continued to show improvement and were getting close to that consistent four quarter performance each week.

He said when they play well, they are hard to beat.

“We’re winning games or we’re in games,” he said. “Our percentage is only 70 per cent, but last year it was 40 so we’ve virtually doubled that.

“Percentage is a good indicator of how competitive we are, we’re pushing in the right direction.”

The win, the Panthers third, has them now sitting just a game outside the top six despite being in ninth spot.

Pritchard said they know it will be a fight, but haven’t given up hope of playing finals.

“Between round two and seven we dropped two games we should have won,” he said.

“Had we won those two games and we’re in the six.

“We are competitive and giving ourselves chances to win a few more games. You never say never.”

The Panthers this week North Ballarat.

In other matches, Darley lost to East Point, 15.9 (99)-9.12 (66).

The Devils led at the first two breaks before 10 goals to four in the second half sealed the win for the Kangaroos.

Mace Cousins was the Devils best.

Bacchus Marsh and Melton both had byes.