Melton primed for another premiership title despite last year’s fade out

Melton is chasing its second premiership in three years while East Point is determined to continue its impressive run. Check out our grand final preview and the key players.

Melton’s Braedan Kight will be a key player in the final. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Last year’s straight sets exit won’t be a motivator for Melton as the Bloods look to once again take the premiership out of Ballarat.

The Bloods will take on East Point at City Oval on Saturday looking for their second flag in the past three years.

It could have easily been three-in-a-row if the team didn’t falter late last year.

Melton finished the season as minor premiers but losses to Darley and East Point in the first two weeks of finals ended their year.

Bloods president Matt Kerr said the circumstances was different this year compared to 2023.

“It’s a tale of two different years,” he said.

“Last year we were sore bodies and on the way down. This year we are still on the trajectory going up.”

Melton’s Jack Walker was best on ground the last time the Bloods made the grand final. Picture: Hamish Blair

City Oval has been good to Melton, winning two of their past three matches.

The only loss did came against Saturday’s opponents last year.

Kerr said the team didn’t have issues with the ground.

“The ground, we played it this year against Redan, is not an issue,” he said.

“We play it really well.”

Kerr said the weekend was the opportunity for the team to show it was the best in the competition.

“What’s in the past, that’s behind us now, we’re looking to consolidate out here,” he said.

“We have been the best side all year and have the opportunity this weekend to consolidate that.”

East Point and Melton have each won once this season against each other.

But the Bloods won the last match in the finals, overcoming windy conditions to win by 12 points.

Both games this season have been decided by an average of eight points.

East Point captain Matt Johnston, who claimed the Henderson Medal earlier this week, said his team was capable of winning the title.

East Point won the 2019 Ballarat Football League premiership. The Kangaroos remain the last Ballarat team to claim the senior title. Picture: Ballarat Football League

If the Kangaroos can do it, it would be the first time a Ballarat team has won the title since they won the flag in 2019.

Johnston has identified an area the team needs to focus on to win.

“I look at the game they beat us in Darley and their tall forwards stood up,” he said.

“If we negotiate them to limit the marks and the scores in front of goal we’ll go a long way to winning it.

“Our best is good enough, it will be all about getting the ball to the ground so the tall forwards don’t get it.”

Johnston will play his 100th game for the club on the day.

The game starts at 2.30pm.

Players to watch

MELTON

Braedan Kight – The competition’s leading goalkicker this year and is on track for his best haul of goals. Kight has kicked 78 goals in 18 games and the captain will be a major threat against East Point.

Conrad Farruggia – Was the difference the last time these two teams met. The young forward kicked three goals as wind played a major part.

Jack Walker – One of the heart and soul players of the club who knows how to lift come finals time. In both finals this year he’s been among the best and kicked two goals against Darley. In the last grand final for Melton he was voted best on ground by AFL Victoria in their win over Sebastopol.

Kyle Borg – The Port Melbourne VFL player will be available for the grand final and can be damaging on the wing if let loose.

Jaycob Hickey – Has been in the best players for more games than any Melton player this season. He’s featured in 12 out of 17 games. Hickey is chasing his third premiership in a row after winning with Melton in 2022 and Diggers Rest last year in the Riddell District league.

EAST POINT

Matt Johnston – The Henderson Medallist has had a superb season. Not only is he damaging as an inside midfielder but he has added to his game this year on the outside and kicked goals for fun as well. Shutting down Johnston will be key to Melton winning.

Bryson McDougall – East Point’s leading goalkicker this season with 72 goals from 19 games. The key forward has averaged two goals a game against Melton, including a three-goal haul earlier this season.

Mickitja Rotumah-Onus – The midfielder has been impressive this year finishing third in the Henderson Medal. The last time East Point made the grand final, in 2019, Rotumah-Onus was the best player on the ground.

Jordan Johnston – Another vital player in the midfield for East Point and Jordan is the brother of Matt. Is already a two-time premiership winner with the club, helping the team to win the premiership in 2018 and 2019.

Jackson Merrett – The ex-AFL player was influential last week, kicking the vital goal to force the preliminary final into extra time. The midfielder, and former coach, will have plenty of experience to help East Point’s young guns get through the day.