Strong defence helps Melton claim its first premiership since 2005

Melton fought the elements and a determined Sebastopol outfit to claim their first Ballarat Football Netball League title since 2005. Find out what got them over the line.

Melton coach Aaron Tymms concedes if it wasn’t for the teams defence the side might not be premiers in Ballarat this season.

The Bloods ended their 17 year premiership drought on Saturday, beating Sebastopol by five points in a close and enthralling contest at Mars Stadium.

In wet, damp and muddy conditions, the Bloods stood tall when it counted, holding off a Burras charge in the second half to win.

Melton celebrate winning the 2022 Ballarat Football Netball League premiership. Picture: Shane Jones.

Melton controlled the contest early, leading by 19 points at one stage, before Sebastopol came back and levelled scores in the third term after controlling the contest in the middle.

The side dominated the clearances.

The Bloods stood firm, kicking a late goal in the third term, to lead by a goal heading into the final term.

Both teams then wasted chances in the final term, as both kicked multiple behinds.

Sebastopol player James Keeble late on also had a chance to win the game, with a kick from 45 metres out, but instead opted to find another target inside forward 50.

His kick was intercepted by Melton and the Bloods held on for a famous win.

“It was just one of those games, was really tight,” Tymms said.

“I thought at half time we might have been able to come out and break them, our third quarters have been really good this year.

“To their credit they bounced back and it was under a goal (the margin) from 10 minutes in the third quarter to the end.”

Tymms said the team started well but wasn’t able to control the contest after half time.

He admitted their defence saved them.

Melton player Harrison Hanley lifts the premiership cup. Picture: Shane Jones.

“The boys were red hot to go when we come out from the rooms and we thought that would continue on but to Sebas’ credit they bogged down and started to win the ball a fair bit around the clearances.

“We’ve been able to rely on those (defensive) boys all year, we’ve been the best defensive team all year.

“Our backline stood up and won us the game.”

Tymms said Blake Souter in the backline was the best player for the team.

Melton defender Blake Souter was one of two players to win best on ground awards. Picture: Shane Jones.

He was recognised as the Ballarat Football Netball League player of the game.

“I thought Blake Souter was exceptional today,” Tymms said.

“Obviously Jack Walker and our midfield boys were good (as well).”

Tymms said he’ll be back next year in the hope of going back-to-back.

“I have absolutely flogged the boys over the past few years and finally they get some reward for it,” he said

“The boys stuck it out today.

“Maybe we’ll not have a big pre-season (next year) now we’ve gone so deep.

“But we’ll put out best foot forward.

“Hopefully everyone decides to stick around but it is up to them.

“But we’ve got plenty of young kids that can improve and we’ve got plenty of young kids to bring in as well.”

Walker happy to win with his brothers

Jack Walker admits his second half wasn’t up to his standard as he was tagged out of the match by the opposition.

But his performance were good enough to win the AFL Victoria best on ground award.

His first half, combined with the rest of the midfielders, were able to give the Bloods a buffer which was enough to win.

“To be honest I didn’t get much in the second half, I sort of went a bit quiet,” Walker said.

“I think they threw Chase Dummett to me in the second half to shut me down and he got his own ball as well so credit to him.”

Walker said it was a special day, winning the best on ground and to celebrate the win with his two brothers Lachlan and Riley.

Brothers Lachlan Walker, Jack Walker and Riley Walker all played in Melton's premiership win. Picture: Shane Jones.

Walker and his brothers now add another chapter to the Melton history books, which also involves other members of their family.

“It’s incredible, my pop played in the 1965 premiership for Melton, we’ve got family history running through this club,” Walker said.

“I’m proud to be part of it.”

Walker said the premiership was a nice reward for the team not having a chance to win the premiership over the past two years due to Covid.

“All through the Covid years we thought we were ready (to win),” he said.

“We’re just so happy we got our chance to win another one.”

Keeble’s injury prevented him from having shot

Sebastopol coach Mick Searl said the reason James Keeble didn’t have a shot on goal late on was because he knew he couldn’t make the distance.

The leading goalscorer for the Burras this year had a chance from 45 metres out, with not long to play, to kick a goal which could have handed Sebastopol the win.

Instead, he kicked the ball to another target, which Melton intercepted and cleared.

It was the last shot the Burras had of winning.

Usually Keeble would have had a shot but Searl revealed there was no chance of it happening in the grand final.

“James has got a busted toe, pretty much, so he knew the connection with the football was never going to make the distance,” he revealed.

“He was in a fair bit of pain so to play was a big ask.

“He could hardly kick over a jam jar at the moment.”

Keeble was one of the standouts in the contest, kicking two freakish goals in the third quarter to put the Burras in it.

One was from the boundary line with the other closer to goal, straight in front, 20 metres out.

Searl said both were with his non-preferred foot, which made the feat more incredible.

“Some of those goals in the third quarter were huge for us,” he said.

“He might be asking ‘what if’ but we are certainly not asking it.”

In other grade results on Saturday, Sunbury claimed the reserves premiership with North Ballarat winning the under-19 premiership.