Melbourne Mustangs mid-season report card – Current rating: Knackered

Going from the hunter to the hunted brings its own unique challenges. Opponents wanting to take out the top dog, crowds getting rowdy when the champions come to town. Keeping that hunger to go back-to-back is also a major hurdle to cross.

That’s not to say the Mustangs don’t have a hunger to win again in 2024, but that consistent game isn’t there.

However, a roster overhaul following the championship win hasn’t helped the orange and black cause. Experience, leadership and quality have all departed the Mustangs following cup win number two.

There have however been some highlight moments throughout 2024 season as Mustangs fans continue to hang onto hope of a dramatic finals push.

Room for Improvement

During the 2023 championship season the Mustangs never lost more than two games in a row. After 16 games in 2024 they have already had two three game losing streaks.

Consistency for the Mustangs has been their biggest issue. Not being able to find their best game period to period.

A team containing Scott Timmins, Ty Wishart, Dean Klomp and Sean Jones allows the Mustangs to flash their brilliance, grabbing big wins – 5-2 away result over the Brave a recent highlight. It shows there is a competitive quality team under the surface and markings of that cup champion.

When we look at room for improvement within the Mustangs, consistent performances from period to period is the most glaring.

Current Standings

Currently sitting in fourth on the Hellyer Conference standings the Mustangs find themselves a massive 14 points behind Perth Thunder in third.

Both teams have played 16 games each and a chance at making finals looks to be out the window unless something amazing happens.

Not making finals following a Goodall Cup victory would be a disappointing result for a proud hockey club.

Key performers so far

Dean Klomp

With the departure of Chris Lawrence there is added responsibility on the shoulders of Klomp. However, the Canadian native has grabbed the opportunity with both gloves.

Klomp has been an important cog for the Mustangs under new head coach Scott Timmins. Providing offensive production for a Mustangs team that often lacks that scoring polish, while also being sound defensively.

A career season for Klomp with 22 points (10 goals, 12 assists) from 12 games played, going at just under two points per game.

Evan Khroustalev

The young 19-year-old defender has been super impressive for the Mustangs on the blueline as the defensive core changed dramatically in 2024.

Khroustalev has shown terrific positioning and ice awareness, finding himself in the rights spots at the right time. Reading the play and often getting a stick poke in to break up plays and 2-on-1 opportunities.

Part of the 2023 Goodall Cup winning team Khroustalev has taken another step in his development.

Brad Apps

It has been somewhat of a breakout season for Apps in Mustangs colours, putting up career numbers in the AIHL.

Apps has come up clutch in big moments in 2024 and finds himself on the ice in important stages of the games. The 28-year-old New Zealander is in the prime of his career and it shows.

18 points (six goals, 12 assists) from 16 games played at this pace it will be the first time Apps runs at a point per game or more in any AIHL season.

Best win so far

Picking a best win was difficult despite only six being in regulation for the Mustangs. However, the 4-3 victory over the Canberra Brave on May 12 was a big win in the context of the season.

Canberra was starting to get players back, their roster filling out once again after world championships. So, the test for the Mustangs was huge against the team they beat to win the cup.

Taking a 3-1 lead the Brave would fight back in the third and level it at 3-3, then that man Brad Apps would step up to score an important goal. A tight arm wrestle decided by a moment of brilliance.

For the Mustangs it was the type of game that showed they can hang and match it with the best in the competition. But they have been few and far between.

Expectations for remainder of season

While the flame for the Mustangs finals hopes is still flickering, that must be the sole purpose. Once that finals hope dies away then it all comes down to pride and shaping the Hellyer. Especially with crosstown rivals Ice on top.

Under first season head coach Scott Timmins the Mustangs will want to see a second half season improvement with compete and wins on the board. With enough quality still in the lineup the squad should be more than capable of achieving this.

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