Classy Albury forward Josh Mellington needs 10 goals in the final round to kick what would be one of the most incredible tons in league history.
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Mellington kicked 12 in the 29.27 (201) to 4.2 (26) thumping of Wangaratta Rovers.
The former Fremantle forward has bolted in the Doug Strang Medal, despite missing the first six games through suspension.
The Tigers meet out-of-contention Myrtleford, which will be inspired to farewell club superstar Brad Murray at home.
“His first quarter was superb, he probably could have kicked eight goals, if he had kicked straighter,” co-coach Joel Mackie said.
“Our first quarter was pretty electric, we kicked 10 goals something (9), we probably could have had 20 inside 50s and we moved the ball really well early.
“They probably clogged it up a little bit after that.”
Quite remarkably, Mellington has now kicked 202 goals in only 31 games, averaging 6.54 per game.
He’s averaging just over eight this year.
Yarrawonga spearhead Brendan Fevola booted 366 in 66 matches, at 5.54.
Only two teams have been able to restrict Mellington to under five goals a game.
Wangaratta kept him to three in round 10, while Wodonga Raiders did likewise last month.
Not surprisingly, that duo rounds out the top three with the Tigers.
And in further good news for the minor premiers, three of their best players made a successful return.
Interleague defender Michael Duncan hadn’t played in seven weeks due to a knee problem, utility Dean Polo had missed a month, while Chris Hyde suffered a corked thigh a fortnight ago.
“The plan was to get some time into them, especially Duncan and Polo,” Mackie said.
“We just managed them through the game, they didn’t play a full game, but we had the luxury of taking them off, when we wanted to.”
Mellington was clearly the standout, but another dangerous forward in Brayden O’Hara kicked three.
John Mitchell and co-coach Shaun Daly were also named in the Tigers’ best.
And while the Tigers’ score wasn’t the season’s highest – Yarrawonga kicked 35.24 (234) against Corowa-Rutherglen in round 10 – the 56 to six scoring shots was the greatest differential.
Rovers are now targeting just their third win in the final round against North Albury.