Young gun, ex-VFL stars lead Melton South past Bacchus Marsh

Melton South picked up the pieces of last week’s devastating loss to Redan to record an impressive victory over BFL rival Bacchus Marsh.

Dillon Sharp in action for Melton South. Picture: Hamish Blair

Devastated by last week’s one-point loss to Redan, Melton South took out its frustration on Bacchus Marsh on Saturday.

The Panthers bounced back superbly to claim a 30-point win at Melton Recreation Reserve and erase the heart-breaking defeat.

It’s a remarkable turnaround from the 118-point demolition inflicted by the Cobras in their last Ballarat Football League meeting in 2019.

Coach Heath Pritchard was rapt with his players response after last week.

“Losing by a point the week before, we felt we did a lot of things right and just didn’t finish off the game,” he said.

Matthew Sullivan kicks clear of Nicholas Stuhldreier. Picture: Hamish Blair

Aaron Willitts tries to escape William Thornton-Gielen. Picture: Hamish Blair

“Two weeks in a row we’ve dominated the last quarter but this time we were able to put it on the scoreboard and win by five goals.

“We’re pretty forthright in our opinion that we think we’re better and honourable losses are no good to us.

“We’ve had trouble with Bacchus in the past … so to play the style of game we wanted to was pleasing, to stick to our task and play a good brand of footy.”

Bacchus Marsh made a strong start but inaccuracy in front of goal nullified its momentum.

Melton South held an eight-point margin at three-quarter-time but in stark contrast to last week was able to convert its last-quarter dominance into four points, 16.8 (104) to 10.14 (74).

The Panthers have recruited strongly since 2019, adding VFL stars Dylan Conway, Ryan Pendlebury and Billy Lloyd.

Pendlebury played his first game for the club on Saturday and impressed immediately, while Conway booted three goals and Western Jets youngster Paul Curtis netted four majors.

David Callus was named best-on-ground for his game off half-back and nullifying Bacchus Marsh dangerman Billy Griffiths.

Melton South coach Heath Pritchard. Picture: Hamish Blair

Paul Curtis punches the ball clear of Alex Porter. Picture: Hamish Blair

“Michael played a really good game off half-back, gave us a lot of run and dash, and spent a lot of time on Griffiths, who’s a crafty forward for Bacchus,” Pritchard said.

“The group of recruits we’ve picked up – Ryan played his first game yesterday, Dylan Conway, Billy Lloyd, Brad Olsson, Shaun Wyatt – have all really bought in and are ripping guys.

“We’ve couldn’t have been happier with the recruits and the way they’ve joined our club.”

After claiming just two wins in 2019 Melton South is looking for improvement this season.

While it was well beaten by cross-town rival Melton in Round 1 the Panthers form shows it will be no push over in 2021.

“We’ve got no ceiling on it,” Pritchard said.

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“The Redan loss was disappointing but they won quite easily yesterday (54 points against Ballarat) so our form shapes up well there.

“Knocking off someone like Bacchus Marsh gives us a lot of confidence going into Sunbury next week.

“There’s no easy games in the Ballarat footy league anymore, I think every week there’s going to be – no so much surprise results – but if you don’t bring your best you’re going to get caught out.”

Melton South plays host to Sunbury in Round 4 with the Lions coming off a 23-point defeat at East Point, while Bacchus Marsh faces the Kangaroos at Maddingly Park.