Melton signs former Western Jets youngster from cross-town rivals

Melton has secured a Western Jets graduate for the 2021 Ballarat Football League season, snatching the 190cm youngster from a cross-town rival.

Lachlan Phillips is presented with his Western Jets guernsey.

Melton has secured a Western Jets graduate for the 2021 Ballarat Football League season.

The Bloods snatched Lachlan Phillips from cross-town rival and Riddell District club Melton Central.

The 190cm, 90kg youngster played 10 NAB League games for the Jets in 2019, including an impressive 14-disposal, six-mark, four-tackle performance against Geelong Falcons.

Melton coach Aaron Tymms was excited to see what Phillips could produce.

“He’s good mates with a lot of our young kids, I had a chat to him last year and again this year and thought Ballarat football might be a step up for him and to play some better footy,” he said.

“He played a lot more back when he was at the Jets but we’re looking to put him through the midfield.

“That’s where we’re training him at the moment and he hasn’t missed a beat. He doesn’t look out of place at all.

“He’s a good size lad and he can run as well, good skills, the works. He’s going to be a good asset for us.”

Phillips will help fill the void left by Shaun Campbell, who has shifted to Western Region club Parkside.

Campbell joined Melton in 2019 but spent the cancelled 2020 season with Wagga Tigers, who he coached to a Riverina Football League premiership in 2016.

“We lost Shaun Campbell, one of our hard-bodied midfielders, and big boys who can run don’t grow on trees,” Tymms said.

“Shaun’s gone down to the Western Region, it’s just around the corner from his work, which makes it easier for him.

“He will be missed but completely understand the reasons why he’s gone.”

The Bloods finished last year in fourth, knocking off Sunbury in an elimination final before going down to eventual premier East Point in the semi-finals.

BFL: TYMMS COMMITS TO BLOODS FOR 2021

LEADER: GET YOUR BALLARAT FOOTY NEWS HERE

BFL: FORMER AFL COACH TO LEAD NORTH BALLARAT

The club has returned to pre-season training looking to get a headstart on 2021 preparations.

“The boys have been back in running groups for two or three weeks and back on the footys for two, just in small groups,” Tymms said.

“A few boys look like they haven’t done much since COVID hit but we’ve got a fair whack before Round 1, so there’s plenty of time to get back in shape.

“Everyone has been looking forward to getting back with the lads, have a laugh, and do a bit of training with gyms being closed.”