Goulburn Valley: Josh Mellington returns to Benalla for round one

Benalla’s chances of a quick rebound from a tough 2022 have received another boost. See who is back at the club.

Benalla has topped off a productive summer on the recruiting trail with the return of 2015 premiership player and leading goalkicker Josh Mellington.

After winning only three matches and regularly being forced to forfeit reserves matches last season, Benalla is heading into the Goulburn Valley opening round on Good Friday with renewed optimism.

Co-coach Will Martiniello said Benalla had actively targeted former players for the rebuild, with Mellington’s return the final piece of the puzzle that could push the club towards finals.

“Something you don’t lose is class and skill and that’s what he has got,” Martiniello said.

Josh Mellington playing for Benalla in 2015. Picture: Bruce Povey

Mellington kicked 111 goals when Benalla won the GV flag in 2015, ending a premiership drought stretching back to 1973 when the club played in the Ovens and Murray.

Mellington joined O and M powerhouse Albury in 2016 and also kicked more than 100 goals and savoured more premiership success.

He played for Echuca United in 2019 and last year kicked 92 goals for Violet Town.

Benalla recruit Nick Mellington, right, playing for Williamstown in the VFL and tackling Essendon’s Dylan Clarke. Pic: Michael Klein.

Mellington’s younger brother Nick, and Jarrad Waite were among the first to commit to play for Benalla this year, providing further impetus to future signings.

Martiniello said Benalla would have eight to 10 new or returning players line up against Seymour on Friday.

“They’re all locals coming back so that has been a massive thing for us,” he said.

“It was very hard to recruit when you didn’t have someone secured early.”

In the corresponding game last year, Seymour thrashed Benalla by 123 points with Seymour recruit Michael Hartley starring with six goals.

In the other GV match being played on Good Friday, Shepparton plays Shepparton United.

On Easter Saturday, Rochester is home to Kyabram, Mansfield hosts Euroa, reigning premiers Echuca plays Tatura and Mooroopna meets Shepparton Swans.

There are two standalone games on Good Friday to kick off the Ballarat and Central Murray league seasons.

The Weekly Times season predictions for the leagues starting at Easter have also been made.

BALLARAT

Premier: Sebastopol

Slider: East Point

Best and fairest: Brett Bewley (Darley)

CENTRAL MURRAY

Premier: Kerang

Slider: Tyntynder

Best and fairest: Jacob Simpson (Lake Boga)

GOULBURN VALLEY

Premier: Euroa

Slider: Rochester

Best and fairest: Will Hayes (Euroa)