Tara Murray
Melton Thoroughbreds have added more depth as they look to rise up the Big V men’s division 2 ladder.
After a tough 2024 season, which included just five wins and sitting on the bottom of the ladder for much of the year, the Thoroughbreds hope this season will be different.
Thoroughbreds coach Mick McCallum said they were keen to get the season underway.
“We’re really confident this year,” he said. “We’ve added a bit more depth and are looking really good.
“We were lacking a little bit last year and had a few spots and managed to fill those spots.”
The Thoroughbreds have looked to continue the local feel to their squad
Tonga Matapule otutaha is a new signing for the Thoroughbreds.
Matapule otutaha played basketball for Melton previously and has represented Victoria Country at the national championships previously and was part of the Thoroughbreds winning CBL side in the 2022-23 season.
Milan Savic is another familiar name to Thoroughbreds fans who is joining the side. Savic was part of the Thoroughbreds’ CBL side last season.
Aleks Milivojevic brings state championship experience having played with the Hume City Broncos.
McCallum said it was good to add some players with higher level experience to the squad.
They’ve also added an import after not having one last season.
American Darian Peterson has joined the squad.
“It’s really positive for us,’ McCallum said. “ He fell into our lap, it wasn’t something we were looking for.
“We couldn’t say no.”
McCallum said with such a young youth league side, having that extra experience was vital across the whole program.
Ben Whyte will coach that side this season.
Both teams kick off their seasons at home on Saturday night.
McCallum said the key for them was to get off to a good start and then build from there.
“We want to try and finish out games and no more one point losses.”
