Melton move clear

AFTER a convincing thirty-nine-point win at Macpherson Park, the Bloods are the McDonalds Ballarat Football League leaders, far too good for Sunbury this past weekend.

A seven to zero goal opening term was the difference, with three first quarter majors from Lachlan Hickey followed up by another five via Ryan Carter the real difference in an emphatic victory.

Sunbury stemmed the bleeding after quarter time with key forwards Leigh Brennan (four goals) and Blake Graham (three goals) making the most of limited opportunities.

Daniel Toman and Tyson Lever found plenty of footy backing up from their combined 94 disposal effort in round one, but turnovers were costly with the Bloods booting four off the back of academic skill errors.

It was a combat of styles with Melton prepared to take the game on through the corridor where the Lions sought to chip it around and maintain possession at all cost.

Lachlan Watkins and Jack Walker were impressive through the midfield with Jordan Cotter and youngster Adrian Monitto incepting any ball that came in their direction.

In only his second game back since returning from New Zealand, Mark Orr was best on ground in the ruck, utterly dominant in the hit outs but also finding plenty of footy around the ground in a complete.

Orr will face his biggest test of the season when he goes head-to-head in a mouth-watering matchup with Henderson medallist Dan Burton this weekend with both sides looking to remain undefeated in the senior competition.

For the Lions they get a much-needed rest thanks to the bye and with their next four matchups against sides who would of missed finals last season, it will be vitally important they bounce back in a big way if Travis Hodgson’s men want to feature in September.