Benalla is building.
After spending a few seasons in the Goulburn Valley League wilderness, Saints player-coach Jarrad Waite is leading his side back into the light.
The former AFL star has had to use himself as a stopgap in defence for Benalla throughout the season, but on Saturday afternoon, we saw that the former Carlton and North Melbourne forward still had a few tricks up his sleeve.
Waite booted five goals for the Saints in their clash at home against Mooroopna and, although, the final margin ballooned out to 46 points, Benalla only trailed by 13 early in the final term.
Despite being a battle between 10th (Benalla) and fourth (Mooroopna), the match was tight and competitive throughout.
After the game, Cats coach John Lamont was quick to credit the Saints’ midfield, believing that opposition teams should be wary of how competitive Benalla can be.
The first half of the season was tough for the Saints, with Waite’s young and inexperienced side facing brutal losses week in and week out.
However, after its 101-point defeat to Echuca in round nine — no-one could blame them for that, as the Murray Bombers can and will do that to most sides this season — the cogs began to turn for Benalla.
The following weekend, the Saints secured their first win of the season against Shepparton Swans, a side still fighting for finals.
Benalla’s three-point win was a massive boost for the club, with Waite (who kicked the match-winning goal) emphasising the importance of his players securing that first victory to know that they are on the right track in terms of development.
The Saints then suffered a disappointing 51-point defeat in round 10 against Kyabram and the question was asked, ‘Was their performance against the Swans just a flash in the pan?’
That query was answered seven days later when the Saints secured a 55-point victory over Tatura.
Two wins in a three-week span, plus the competitive performance against a quality side such as Mooroopna, should keep Saints fans buoyed with how their team is growing before their eyes.
So, what are the weapons that Benalla has developed across the 2024 season?
Benalla’s top players this season (according to average ranking points)
Chris Welsh: 132.8 (10 games)
Mark Marriott: 124 (11 games)
Nick Mellington: 116 (8 games)
Will Martiniello: 115.5 (2 games)
James Martiniello: 112.5 (12 games)
The simple answer is its dangerous midfield, headlined by star ruckman Mark Marriott.
The Benalla big man is having an impressive season in Saints colours, averaging 124 ranking points (ranked elite), 7.4 hit-outs to advantage (elite), 5.5 tackles (elite), 12.2 contested possessions (elite), 1.6 contested marks (elite) and 1.1 goals a game.
But while a lot has been made of Marriott’s impact this season; who else is leading the charge?
It’s the three-pronged fork of midfield trio James Martiniello, Nick Mellington and Chris Welsh.
Martiniello is averaging 26.8 disposals (elite), 11.6 contested possessions (elite), 5.5 clearances (elite), 5.2 tackles (elite) and 112.5 ranking points (elite) a game.
Midfield bull Mellington averages 23.6 disposals (elite), 11.9 contested possessions (elite), 7.2 clearances (elite), six inside 50s (elite), 6.2 score involvements and 6.5 tackles (elite) a game.
The ever-classy captain Welsh has been a star in the red, white and black this season, averaging 132.8 ranking points (elite), 31.6 disposals (elite), 72 per cent disposal efficiency, 6.9 clearances (elite), five inside 50s (elite), 8.7 ground ball gets (elite) and 1.2 goal assists (elite) a game.
With six games remaining in the Goulburn Valley League this season, Saints fans should be filing into Benalla Showgrounds to support and watch their team, particularly this midfield, fork the opposition.
Because Benalla is growing with each week that passes and it won’t be long before the Saints are once again knocking on the door of finals.