‘All options on table’ as Ballarat look to help Melton South rise again

Ballarat league officials say more support could be provided to one of its struggling clubs heading into 2024 with the aim of making it more competitive.

Ballarat Football League officials are confident Melton South’s future remains with them despite a horror year on the field.

And plans are in place to help them out next year.

Melton South have struggled all season, losing all 14 games this year and their past 21 in the competition.

This season the team hasn’t been competitive, losing 13 games by over 100 points.

A few weeks ago the club and coach Jason Hamilton parted ways with the club now looking for a new senior mentor for next season.

Jason Hamilton was the coach of the club at the start of the season. Picture: Hamish Blair

Failure to win a game has led to talk around what the future of the club could lie.

When the Panthers were formed in 1973, they played in the Riddell District league before moving to the Ballarat competition in 1998.

But Ballarat league operations manager Shane Anwyl said their future is with them.

“The league has been working with them closely over the last little while, creating some plans going forward with Melton South in the Ballarat league,” he said.

“That’s the commitment the league has given to the club is that they are a valued part of the league and we want to keep them within the BFL.

“We are going to work with them about strengthening them on field (in seniors).”

Anwyl said the netball side of the club is strong with great numbers and competitive sides.

But the football side of things needs improvement with all teams combining for just one win this season.

Currently, the seniors has help from the Ballarat league with player points set at 46, instead of 43, which is the league standard.

Anwyl said plans are in place to help the team more heading into 2024.

“They’ve had an increase in point the last couple of years above the standard 43 to allow for that recruitment,” he said.

“A salary cap (rise) is an option.

“There’s a number of them (idea) that were laid out in a recent planned out meeting with them for 2024 and beyond.

“All options are on the table to help them out.”

Anwyl said the club was in a great position off the field.

“They are having a bit of a refresh at the moment with some new committee members, new president and they are looking for a new coach but they are on the right track,” he said.

“They are financial and have good support from the council down there who are looking to put money in for a redevelopment (of their ground).

“That’s going to be an enticement to get players.

“There’s a lot of positive on the horizon for the club.

“They have got some good plans in place to work on that over the next three, four, five years.”

Melton South takes on Darley this Saturday in their second last match of the season.