Persistence pays for Cobras in win over gallant Swans

BACCHUS Marsh coach Alan Johnson has praised his players’ resilience and determination to outlast a brave Ballarat in their BFLW round two clash at Maddingley Park last Sunday.

The Cobras bounced back from an opening round loss to East Point to defeat the competition newcomers 7.3 (45) to 4.3 (27).

There were a few anxious moments for the Cobras, who saw their 25-point half-time lead whittled down to 19 at three-quarter time.

The Swans were able to edge closer with their fourth major for the day in the final term before the Cobras sealed the win with one of their own.

A respectful Johnson lauded a strong effort by both sides in what was the Cobras and Swans’ first meeting at senior level under the BFLW banner.

“We got away pretty well and set up a bit of a lead, but to the credit of their young side, they fought back really well,” he said.

“It got tight in the last quarter, but our girls stood firm in the last seven or eight minutes and were able to get the goal that put it beyond their ability to fight back.

“It was a good game by all.”

Jamie-Lee Speakman, who has returned to the Cobras following a break from the game last year, led the way for the Cobras across half forward capping a standout performance with two goals.

A strong team effort was further underpinned by strong contributions from Danielle Roczniak, the ever-reliable Melanie Freeman in the centre and at centre half back, half forward Remy Day, Emilee Attard on the wing, Matilda Rawlings and Caitlin Mai.

Johnson predicted good things ahead for the Swans in their first season in the BFLW.

“I watched them the week before (against Darley) and for a young side they had a real crack,” he said.

“They really fought it out.

“And again, this week, they really held firm and fought it out.

“The coach (Dean Pidgeon) has some really good players there and something really strong to work with.”

Key contributors for the Swans on Sunday included Isabelle Harrison, who booted three of their four goals, Crystal Thomas, Molly Daly, Charley Gartlan, Yasmin O’Keeffe and co-captain Shellby Lonie.

After taking to the field against East Point with just 16 players, including three newcomers to the clubs and two girls playing their first game of football, Johnson was stoked to have 19 players available against the Swans.

“I couldn’t have been prouder with how the girls fought out that game against East Point. We had no rotations and girls were cramping,” he said.

“Having three or four back makes a difference, especially being skilled-seasoned players.

“There’s a better balance to the side when you inject those girls around the ground and add their strength.”

Johnson singled the skillful Jazmine Dalli out for praise, with the youngster excelling across two quarters, after earlier playing in the under-19s.

The Cobras could potentially be strengthened in the weeks ahead, with VFLW-listed players Ella Bradbury, Indi Stanley and Amy Kerton all currently unavailable until the VFLW season starts.

Widely tipped to be top three contenders, Johnson is careful not to place expectations on his team.

“I never look at it as us finishing here, or finishing there, because if you make finals, anything can happen,” he said.

“I’m just keen for the girls to enjoy themselves.”

A stop-start beginning to the season for the Cobras will continue with a bye this weekend, before an April 26 clash against Carisbrook.

In other games, East Point moved to 2-0 with a 25-point win over Carisbrook at Mars Stadium.

The Dragons won 7.10 (52) to 4.3 (27).

Abbey Bertram (two goals), Gemma Foord, Rebecca Piper, Kaitlyn Barnett, Vanessa Jones and Isabella Terry were the standouts for the Dragons.

Carisbrook named Mahli Stone, Chelcee Whittingslow, Chelsea Jew, Olivia Butler, Quetta Holloway-Jinks (two goals) and Sherriden Byrne as its best players.

At C.E. Brown Reserve, Redan and key forward Jess Bokma continued their rampaging start to the season.

Bokma booted 14 goals in a 217-point Lions win, which came off the back of a 147-point win in round one over Carisbrook.

A big Lions effort was led by Rose Russell, Bokma, Nicola Clark (six goals), Kristen Prebble (three goals), Keeley Abbott and Caroline Tucke.

Jordan Chettleburgh, Shannon Hearn, Genevieve Blake, Ffleur Mensch, Melinda Sands and Steph Wilson toiled hard for the Lakers.

Darley had the bye.

Round three (Sunday 19 April):

Ballarat v Redan (Alfredton); Lake Wendouree v Carisbrook; East Point v Darley; Bacchus Marsh bye.