Melton South makes first major recruiting move under new coach Travis Hodgson

Melton South has made its first major recruiting move under new coach Travis Hodgson, landing an ex-AFL talent for next season.

Melton South's new recruit Patrick Veszpremi.

Melton South has made its first big recruiting move.

The Panthers have secured former Sydney and Western Bulldogs midfielder Patrick Veszpremi for the 2024 Ballarat league season.

Veszpremi last played for Central Murray outfit Woorinen in 2022, helping the Tigers reach a preliminary final.

After 23 AFL games, the 2007 No.11 draft pick played with Pascoe Vale, Essendon Doutta Stars and Keilor in the EDFL.

In 2021, he was suspended for nine matches following a clash against Strathmore.

In announcing the move, Melton South said Veszpremi would help develop the club’s young talent.

“We are thrilled to announce the addition of Patrick Veszpremi,” the post said.

“Patrick brings with him a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to developing the next generation of talented young players.

“His dedication to mentoring and nurturing our future athletes is truly commendable.

“We would like to extend a warm welcome to Patrick, as well as his wife and daughter Melissa and Sasha, we are excited to have them on board and look forward to the positive impact they will make within our team.”

HODGSON EXCITED BY MELTON SOUTH CHALLENGE

Travis Hodgson likes a challenge.

He’s taking on one of the biggest in Victorian suburban football next season as coach of Melton South.

The Panthers were winless this season and have won three of the past four wooden spoons in the Ballarat league.

After five seasons in charge of BFNL rival Sunbury, Hodgson said it was time for a change and South came calling at the right time.

“Ultimately, I thought it’s time for a change, I need a new challenge,” he said.

“Aaron Tymms (Melton) and I were the only two coaches left from before COVID, that year-and-a-half, while we didn’t play much footy we still did a lot of training and that’s the hard part.

“I had interest from clubs in the Northern league, Eastern league and EDFL but I really love country footy. I’ve loved the Ballarat league.

“They’re pretty keen to get the club back on the up so I’m going to throw everything I’ve got at it to help them do that, I’m pretty excited about it.”

With just 11 wins since 2017, the club is now riding a 21-game losing streak.

Hodgson has no illusions to the job facing him.

“It’s a huge challenge, there’s no doubt about that – they were winless for the year,” he said.

“I love a challenge, what appeals to be is the scope for ground that can be made up.

“All the jobs I’ve taken the team has been out of finals when I’ve got there, not all have been coming from this far back but the challenge interests me.

Travis Hodgson has swapped Sunbury for Melton South. Picture: Hamish Blair

“We’ll need to get some players into the club to speed things up.

“But as a starting point, which is really important, the fact the players that were there all recommitted shows the mindset to hang around.

“Once you experience a season like that they’ll be keen not to experience that pain again and improve from that.

“They’ve still got some talent there, they had two guys play in the under-23 interleague team I was involved with and had another two I reckon just miss out on that.

“I know it can be turned around … we have to be competitive first and then build on that.”

Hodgson owns one of the lengthiest resumes in local footy.

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Premiership player in the Ovens and Murray, Riddell District and Ballarat league.

Seven-time O&M Team of the Year, O&M Hall of Fame and North Albury Hall of Fame.

Bacchus Marsh premiership coach, Gerard Fitzgerald Community Coach of the Year and Coach of the Year in the North East region, AFL Goldfields, O&M, Ballarat and Northern leagues.

Taking Melton South up the ladder would arguably be a crowning achievement.