TAC Cup: Boronia’s Mitch Mellis a shining light during difficult season for Eastern Ranges

BORONIA product Mitch Mellis continued to be a shining light in Eastern Ranges’ TAC Cup season after another strong showing on Saturday.

TAC Cup Sandringham Dragons v Eastern Ranges. Mitch Mellis (Eastern Ranges). Picture: Valeriu Campan

BORONIA product Mitch Mellis continued to be a shining light in Eastern Ranges’ TAC Cup season after another strong showing on Saturday.

Mellis was against in Eastern’s best players, leading the way for his side in the 53-point defeat against Greater Western Victoria Rebels at Box Hill City Oval.

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The 17-year-old has had 11 mentions in Eastern’s best players from his 13 games, underlining his status as a player to watch in the coming years.

Eastern Ranges talent manager Sean Toohey said Mellis had been the club’s most consistent performer across the season.

“He has got a lot of talent and there is no fuss about Mitch, he just goes out and works hard, gets the job done and he has been getting the results this year,” Toohey said.

Mitch Mellis has produced an impressive TAC Cup season despite Eastern Ranges’ struggles. Picture: Valeriu Campan

“He finds a good balance between attack and defence, running both ways, very brave, puts his head over the ball, he’s not the biggest player out there but Mitch has shown a lot this year.

“He’s really stepped up so hopefully he gets some other opportunities moving forward with representative football.

“Mitch will play an under-17 futures state game in a few weeks when we have a bye so a great opportunity for him.”

GWV built on its advantage at every change to finish with a 13.13 (91) to 5.8 (38) win as Eastern fell to a 2-11 record with three games remaining.

Cooper Leon was named Ranges’ best player, while Bailey White and Mihaele Zalac showed promising signs up forward.

“We really didn’t get there enough for them to be able to do a lot with it,” Toohey said.

“James Blanck was solid in defence again as well, his intercept marking and reading of the ball coming in but they were under the pump a fair bit down there so it was a pretty tough day for the defenders.”

Eastern Ranges next game will be against Sandringham Dragons next Saturday at 10.45am