IF Melton South can achieve finals after its tumultuous preseason last year, what can it achieve after a virtually trouble-free summer?
The Panthers not only survived as a Ballarat Football League club in 2011, they flourished.
Second-year coach Shane Geddes admits the Panthers are better placed than at the same time last season but that is no guarantee of success.
“It was all doom and gloom predicted last year and ended up reasonably successful. That final [loss to North Ballarat City] was disappointing,” Geddes says.
“We won some close games and snuck into finals.
“If we’d lost one of those we might not have made it, so we realise we can’t stand still.
“If we improve five goals but others improve by, say, 10, you don’t know. We haven’t put a figure on how many games we’ll win but we want to be competitive every week.
“The guys have to not just be happy making finals.” In contrast to the mass exodus of last season, only one player of significance has left “the Jungle” this time – skillful, if flashy, forward Dane Grenfell.
Importantly, key forward Mathew Sutton and inside midfielder Doug Thomas remain, along with a host of handy developing players.
The Panthers have actually added to their roster, with key forward and assistant coach Leigh Burke arriving from Donald, and Rodney Rich crossing from Altona.
Frank Holzer and David Hunt return to the fold, while two-time Henderson Medallist Darren Stanley is back as non-playing assistant coach.
“We’ve been given leeway to recruit players, which we’ve done,” Geddes says.
“It will put more pressure on existing players and will be important for depth. We need that depth because we’re not going to be a side no one knows much about this time.”
-Ballarat Courier
MELTON SOUTH
Coach: Shane Geddes
2011 home and away: Fifth, 10 wins, six losses
Key Arrivals: Rodney Rich (Altona), Leigh Burke (Donald), Frank Holzer (Sydenham), David Hunt (returning)
Key Departures: Dane Grenfell (Darley)
