How Melton landed Geelong VFL assistant coach Troy Scoble

A junior link with president Matt Kerr has helped Ballarat power Melton highly-rated Geelong VFL assistant Troy Scoble as its new coach.

Melton's new coach Troy Scoble.

A connection dating back to school helped Melton secure highly-rated coach Troy Scoble.

The Geelong VFL assistant coach will helm the Bloods for the 2024 Ballarat league campaign, taking the reins from Aaron Tymms.

Scoble went to the same school as Melton president Matt Kerr and coached the club’s underage teams to a premiership three-peat when Kerr was junior club president.

He was awarded the AFL Victoria Stan Alves Youth Coach of the Year in 2017 as a result.

A premiership coach at Riddell District power Riddell, Scoble moved to Coates League club Western Jets – helping the likes of Cam Rayner and Zak Butters get drafted – before joining the Cats’ VFL team.

Kerr said he’d always had the idea of securing Scoble’s services and the stars aligned for club and coach.

“He’s a perfect fit for where we’re at and what our playing list needs,” Kerr said.

“There’s a bit of history with us going back to the junior days.

“I was president of the junior club and Troy was the under-16 and 17 coach where he coached a three-peat.

“We’ve known each other for a long time, we went to the same school together.

“There’s always been a bit of connection between the two of us and I thought one day we’d try and get him and that connection – it didn’t get us over the line – but got him to look at us.

“All the guys that have gone to that level probably do (have an outstanding resume) but it’s probably the best resume we’ve seen at our club.

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“Like Aaron (Tymms) said the players were probably looking for someone else to teach them new tricks and Troy is the best man for that job.”

After finishing on top of the ladder, Melton made a surprise straight-sets finals exit.

Tymms called time on his seven-year tenure last month, saying it was time for a new voice for the players.

The Bloods expect to retain the bulk of their playing list but have lost talls Brenton Payne (Gordon, Central Highlands) and Ben Archard (Queensland).