By ADEM SARICAOGLU
RIDDELL District Football League improver Melton Central enjoyed its taste of September action in 2012.
The appetite to get there again and improve on its heavy elimination final loss to Romsey will be the club’s main motivator in 2013.
A healthy list and a strong pre-season has coach Brian Wheelahan sensing a fresh attitude within the playing group this year.
“After getting a taste of finals footy last year I think the belief around the place and the expectations have risen and I know myself as well as the playing group, we can’t wait for round one,” Wheelahan said.
“I’ve seen a big shift in culture in the last year and making the finals has added a bit of excitement around the place.”
The summer hasn’t been without its hiccups, after best-and-fairest winner Johnathan O’Brien defected to Western Region Football League club, Albion.
Chris Robertson (Caroline Springs) and ruckman Steven James (Coburg Districts) have also moved on, but Wheelahan is confident a new-look midfield will strengthen his side this season.
Midfielders Andrew Hunter (Melton) and Nathan Richardson (North Footscray) will add to the Melton Central mix while small forward Jarod Scott (Hillside) and ruckman Andrew Lorimer (Keilor Park) will also be wearing the Navy Blue this winter.
“We were fortunate enough to go really well in terms of recruiting,” Wheelahan said.
“Although we’d love one or two more key position players, at this day and age you do what you can with what you’ve got and we think we’ve got a list that can be more than competitive.”
Richardson, a former captain at North Footscray, has been particularly impressive with the professionalism he has brought into the group, while Wheelahan has also earmarked Chris Kellett as a potential breakout player this season.
“He’s had a really strong pre-season and finished off the season really well last year after being hampered earlier in the year,” Wheelahan said.
“But he’s had an injury-free pre-season and his pre-season form and training has been second to none.”
Wheelahan’s pre-season optimism has been vindicated by good signs from the two practice matches the club has played to date, noting a high fitness level within the group.
“We’ve been able to sustain a competitive output in the first halves and really play free flowing football in the second halves,” he said.
“They’re the real ingredients of our game style, to get the ball moving as quick as we can.”
Melton Central will open the season this Saturday in a stand-alone away fixture with Wallan.
Wheelahan and his squad cannot wait for the bounce of the ball, and the importance of a good start to the season is paramount according to the coach.
“It’s obviously super important to get off to a good start,” he said.
“Obviously it adds a little bit of fuel and motivation for the rest of the year.”
