Melton coach Aaron Tymms discusses Bloods’ post-lockdown plans
As soon as restrictions are eased expect to see Melton back in training with re-signed coach Aaron Tymms keen to get his players back together as soon as safety allows.
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Re-signed Melton coach Aaron Tymms hopes to get his players back into training as soon as safety protocols allow.
Tymms, who has led the club to a grand final and preliminary final in his two seasons in charge, is determined to get a headstart on his Ballarat league rivals.
Training has been limited since the COVID-19 crisis first hit and the BFL season was called off on June 25.
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While it is almost impossible to plan for the future, Tymms hopes to bring his players together as quickly as possible.
“As soon as we’re allowed we’ll be getting together and start training as soon as we can,” he said.
“But by the looks of it there won’t be much training going on before Christmas.
“You’ve got to take it as it is, there’s not much you can do about it, as soon as we can get out there we’ll have a crack.”
It’s been a rapid rise for the Bloods under Tymms’ leadership.
The club hadn’t made finals since 2007 when he was appointed for 2018 and went within two points of claiming a remarkable premiership.
Despite finishing the home-and-away season in fifth, Melton reached the preliminary final last year, falling to Sebastopol.
Tymms couldn’t leave the club with unfinished business.
“I was originally going to go overseas for my 40th but obviously with the times as they are now that won’t be happening,” he said.
“I can’t really leave the club on a note like last year, so it will be good to get back out there and go one better.”
Melton’s season was recognised with two players named in the BFL Team of the Year – Braeden Knight in the forward pocket and Shaun Campbell on the interchange – with Campbell finishing equal fourth in Henderson Medal voting.
Campbell has spent the season playing with former club Wagga Tigers in the AFL Riverina Championships but is expected to return in 2021.
Tymms is confident the vast majority of his playing list will re-commit despite a reduced $100,000 salary cap.
“I’ve already spoken to most of the boys, I’m confident 99 per cent will re-sign,” he said.
“A couple are looking at moving away but other than that, anyone who is able is looking to re-sign.
“It’s difficult to get 22 blokes under that (salary cap) but that’s the battle that every club will go through.
“I wouldn’t assume too many guys would leave footy clubs because of this year, guys might work, but I can’t see too much movement.
“The old $1000 players is not going to be that any more, he’s going to be a $600 player, so players need to recognise that too.”