Tara Murray
The punches keep coming for Melton South in the Ballarat Football League.
Having made the decision to go with youth and look to rebuild this season, the Panthers have been hit hard by injuries.
Having been on the end of some one-sided results so far this season, the Panthers suffered their biggest loss on Saturday against Darley, losing 33.17 (215)-2.2 (14).
Panthers co-coach Jason Hamilton said it had been a tough few weeks.
“We couldn’t do much against Darley yesterday [Saturday],” he said.
“We had so many out and while it wouldn’t have made a difference, it wouldn’t have been 200 points.
“The hits keep coming, with injury after injury.”
Hamilton said they had 14 players out of their best 22, with the coaches having to make six changes after picking their team on Thursday night.
He said it can be hard at times having to change your mindset after having to play in a different side than they originally expected.
Hamilton said they had periods where they were competitive against the Devils, but they just couldn’t sustain it.
“In the third quarter we stuck with them for 25 minutes of the 29 minutes. It was two goals to one after 25 minutes and they kicked four goals in the last five minutes.
“We went to sleep for five to eight minutes patches and they scored 20 goals in those minutes.
“We have to work hard to make sure we’re sustaining it for the whole quarter.”
Hamilton said the Devils were the best side that they had played this season.
Cassius White and Rhys Lee were named the Panthers best.
For the Devils, Billy Myers kicked nine goals, while Trae Van Leth kicked four goals. Matthew Brett was named their best.
Hamilton said most clubs would struggle on the scoreboard, knowing the situation they are in.
“We had 10 to 12 players leave after last year and eight were in our top 12 players,” he said.
“Take into account everything that has happened over the pre-season and 2023, everyone else would be batting the way we are.
“At the end of the day inside our four walls, we know where we are at. We’re taking it day by day and getting through the season and recruiting a few players for next year.
“For now we’re getting some games into young blokes which helps for next year.”
Hamilton said outside the Lake Wendouree game he had been proud how the group had gone about it and they had done everything that he had asked.
The Panthers this week face Ballarat at home.
Hamilton is hopeful with a few guys back they can put a bit more scoreboard pressure on this week.
“They are better than us, but they’re not up there with the top teams,” he said. “Hopefully we get a few back and it can be a bit more positive.”
In other matches, Melton also had a big win, accounting for Bacchus Marsh.
The Bloods were in control all game, winning 15.12 (102)-1.9 (15).
Brett McIntyre and Liam Carter were the Bloods best.
