Tara Murray
Melton Wolves opened their account in the Gridiron Victoria men’s season on Saturday.
Playing at home for the first time this season, the Wolves come from behind at half time to beat the Bendigo Dragons, 38-8 as Macpherson Park.
Wolves’ Brad Baker said they didn’t look likely at half time, but was happy how they responded.
“It was a bit of a slow start and we trailed 8-0 at half time,” he said. “We turned it around in the second half.
“We had a new quarterback playing his first game. In the second half he felt more comfortable and was able to move the ball the more in the air.
“We were also able to get our running game going.”
Luke Sackl has taken on the role of quarterback and he is also the new team captain. Chris Floros is vice-captain, while Shaun Owen is their offence captain and Nic Cocolarus is their defence captain.
The result comes after they lost to the Western Crusaders 2, 42-14 in round one.
Baker said this was the first proper season after COVID-19 after last season was shortened due to the pandemic and number of teams.
He said things were looking up for the club after a tough couple of years with the pandemic.
“Our numbers are up to 35 odd,” he said. “It’s a big improvement on last season.
“Our rebuild is starting to get there. People are getting back out after COVID and are dragging other players along.”
The Wolves have just one team this season. Baker said they were focused on making sure that they had a strong senior men’s program.
He said they would look to build from there in the future with women’s and junior sides in the club’s vision.
Baker said they hadn’t set any expectations this season in terms of ladder position and games they want to win.
“We want to keep on improving,” he said. “We’re not looking at the ladder and we want to keep on improving and looking at increasing our numbers.”
The Wolves are back home at Macpherson Park this Saturday.
Baker said it was good to have the opportunity to play at home.
“It’s good, but the facility is still below average,” he said. “It’s good for the boys to get a few games at home and their families being able to watch them.”
