Cobras claim another scalp

TODD WHELAN

Bacchus Marsh impressed with an all-the-way win over last years Grand Finalist Sunbury at Maddingley Park.

The intent from Dennis Armfield’s quiver was validated on the scoreboard early with six unanswered goals in the first term with the aid of a three to four goal breeze.

Credit to the Cobras, benefiting from any weather advantage is not linear – you still have to demonstrate the fundamentals with and without the ball to get full reward.

Sunbury coach Matty White lauded the nature of the Cobras performance in the aftermath conceding the catch up game after quarter time was not ideal despite any wind advantage that followed. Clearly, the former Richmond and Port Adelaide dasher was impressed with the attitude and commitment of the Cobras.

With (already) three wins over last years finalists the Cobras will prepare for their next challenge against Ballarat (5-1) on May 30 at Alfredton Oval.

Gun Cobras forward Jake Owen was at his best finishing with a game high five goals alongside Joel Freeman who chimed in with three to hold the pressing Lions at bay.

While the forwards often soak up their contributions from week to week in review – a huge tick must go to the Cobras defence who held the Lions to just seven goals.

Looking across the ground more broadly, experienced campaigners Luke Goetz, Owen and Shea led from the front while off season recruits Zach Vesty, Sam Griffiths and second gamer Armi Wakefield were prominent executing their roles.

It was a disappointing afternoon for White and his pride given the promise and potential of their 22 on paper. Reigning Tony Lockett Medalist and dangerous forward Jake Sutton made the trip down from Sydney for his first game but could not get any periods of the hit-out on his own terms.

Cody Bramble was one good story to be drawn for the Lions after he was named best for the bustiers ahead of Daniel Johnston (three goals), Ben Cameron, Pat Scanlon, Joel Muir and Ben Eales.

White touched on how much his group will enjoy the week off ahead of a round seven clash at home against the Lakers who are likely to be without Tom Zampatti and Will Fordham after knee injuries sustained at the weekend.

 

What we did learn from the weekend is the Cobras , while not littered with stars are a very even group and will challenge any opposition right down to the 22nd player picked on their day.

The fact the Lions had their best team on paper selected for the clash is testament to the Cobras who were able to reveal what was under the bonnet of a Sunbury outfit struggling for full fitness.

The Lions are not on their own welcoming the break after a high octane six week start to a very even season.

What the coaches said:

Bacchus Marsh – Dennis Armfield

A great day for the club, 3 good wins against a highly respected Sunbury outfit. Then able to celebrate and recognise our past players, specifically the 2016 premiers.

We come out of the blocks with an aligned purpose, setting the standard. We knew Sunbury would come and can score quick, so proud of the group to never give up more than 2 consecutive goals and finish the game full of run.

Backs

I thought our back 7 did a phenomenal job against a very potent forward line, lead by Vesty and Griffiths.

Mids

We are beginning to find a nice balance inside. Players now valuing their role at every stoppage. We knew this was needed verses a strong Sunbury midfield.

Forwards

A new look this week and I felt for the majority of the day they displayed great synergies and system. Led by Owen, Nixon and freeman.

Sunbury – Matty White

Too much praise to put into words with what Bacchus brought to us today.

6 goal first 1/4 set them up and we chased all day.

Even contest for the rest of the game but they didn’t allow us to get our game going at all. Week off comes at a good time for the group

B/Marsh ; 6.1-37, 9.2-56, 10.6-66, 12.11-83 def Sunbury ; 0.2-2, 5.6-36, 7.7-49, 7.13-55

B:Marsh (Goals): J.Owen 5, J.Freeman 3, H.Tudball, E.McKercher, I.Nixon, C.Gates.

Sunbury (Goals): D.Johnston 3, H.Pearce, B.Landt, J.Newett, T.Levet.

B/Marsh (Best); L.Goetz, J.Owen, Z.Vesty, S.Griffiths, A.Wakefield T.Shea.

Sunbury (Best): C.Bramble, D.Johnston, B.Cameron, P.Scanlon, J.Muir, B.Eales.