Melton coach Aaron Tymms has say on big win over under-strength Ballarat

It was meant to be a top-of-the table blockbuster until COVID swept through Ballarat and Melton coach Aaron Tymms has had his say.

Bailey Mawson in action for Melton. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Despite Ballarat missing several key players Melton coach Aaron Tymms still considered Saturday’s BFL top-of-the-table clash a danger game.

So he was stunned when his team produced a decisive 95-point hammering of the Swans at Alfredton Recreation Reserve.

Ballarat had been decimated by COVID during the week, forced to withdraw from the weekend’s reserve grade match due to a lack of players.

Tymms said his players put a big emphasis on being professional ahead of the match.

“I thought it was a danger game anyway because with who they had out it was a free swing for them,” he said.

Jaycob Hickey in action for Melton. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“I was still nervous even knowing they had a few out, so I didn’t expect that result, but we were actually very, very good.

“They might have been disappointed with the amount of scores we scored but I said to them they might find a diamond in the rough with one of the kids coming in and playing.

“We spoke about it pre-game, this Ballarat side they were really good against us last year – they beat us up there last year.

“We’re certainly not getting ahead of ourselves after that game but hopefully we can take that momentum into North (Ballarat).”

Melton took full advantage of their weakened opponents, piling on 7.8 in the first quarter to take a 49-point lead at the first break.

Ballarat didn’t make it any easier for itself with woeful inaccuracy in front of goal, kicking 0.7 to half-time.

Leading by 57 points at half-time, the Bloods kicked another nine goals to three after half-time to punish the home side.

Riley Walker had a field day at half-back, seemingly bringing his own footy to the contest.

Harrison Hanley fires off a handball for Melton. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“Riley played some really good footy, looking at the stats he had 38 touches off half-back,” Tymms said.

“He had plenty of it, I didn’t realise he had that much, he had 19 in the second quarter or something like that.”

Liam Carter, Jack Walker and Brett McIntyre also impressed in the big win, Ryan Carter bagged four goals as 11 different Bloods got on the scoresheet.

The 18.16 (124) to 3.11 (29) hammering leaves the Bloods undefeated on top of the ladder ahead of another blockbuster against last season’s minor premier North Ballarat.

Tymms was looking forward to the challenge after the Roosters were well beaten by Sebastopol.

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“It will be a big one, I can’t imagine North losing two in a row too often, so hopefully this is the first time,” he said.

“Collingwood has the bye in the VFL so I’m tipping they’ll have (Sam) Glover, which will be a bit of a headache.”

Star ruckman Mark Orr missed the win over Ballarat with a calf complaint but is expected to be fit to face North Ballarat.

In other results, Darley (72) pipped Sunbury (68), East Point (143) beat Melton South (104) in a high-scoring encounter, Bacchus Marsh (67) were too good for Redan (57) and Sebastopol (61) hammered North Ballarat (26).