Melton maul the Marsh

Melton 15.11 (101) defeat Bacchus Marsh 5.5 (35)

THE only undefeated side in the McDonald’s Ballarat Football League has flexed another muscle as the Bloods continue to be the clear flag favourites this year for the 2022 premiership.

It was a comprehensive 66-point victory over the next best Eastern Bloc side in Bacchus Marsh with Lachlan Watkins booting three majors from the midfield in another best on ground performance.

The big story going into this match-up was how the Cobras were going to cope without Henderson Medal winning ruckman Dan Burton, who again missed with that troublesome foot.

In fairness to young Spencer Meagher in his second game he was probably the only Marsh player to standout with the win in the ruck over the ever-towering Mark Orr.

From there it was a very flat performance from a side who is desperate to finals footy.

Ryan Carter booted five goals up forward, while Braedan Kight continued his good from with three majors of his own as the Bloods dangerous forwards continue to be a headache for an opposition defensive back six.

Melton continue to be the complete package across the field, with Jordyn Cotter and Blake Souter again featuring in Aaron Tymms best players, as their intercepting across half back a defensive wall that any team would love to have.

Looking ahead for Melton it will a mouth-watering trip up the highway to play North Ballarat at Mars Stadium in what will be a finals preview clash if North have the likes of Sam Glover and Josh Chatfield available from the VFL this weekend.

The Marsh play the Panthers, a side who has been a bit of a bogey team for Tom German during the last couple of seasons with Melton South upstaging them the last two times they have met.