Cobras deliver as finals approach

By Todd Whelan

Bacchus Marsh validated their rebuild with a thrilling, come from behind win (two points) over finals aspirant Sunbury at the Clark Oval.

It was the third successive win for Jason Williams team and their fifth for the season elevating the Cobras to eighth place on the BFNL ladder ahead of the final round of home and away matches.

While many observers had been encouraged by the Cobra’s more recent rise in competitiveness against top six opposition, very few (externally) gave them much chance of downing Travis Hodgson’s Sunbury Lions on their own deck. The upset loss made it three on the bounce for the enigmatic Lions who leave the finals door slightly ajar for Redan and East Point to usurp their standing in the top six.

But more on the joyous Cobras, claiming a scalp above them (on the ladder) after trailing by as much as 23 points midway through the game.

Sixteen-year-old Cody Salmon stole the show with three final quarter goals, reaping the plaudits of all Cobras, loyal and faithful. Salmon is just seven games in at the level but looks every bit at home with his enviable leg speed and, (now) composure around goals amid clutch moments.

Promising forward Joel Freeman also kicked two final quarter goals aiding the fight back led by the Cobras young guns.

Premier ruckman Luke Goetz was again pivotal for the winners while Alex Porter continues to build on his reputation, sound footy smarts and efficiency levels via his trusty left boot.

Needless to add Sunbury controlled the game early with the ascendancy in most areas, especially Jake Sutton (five goals) forward, setting up a handy 19-point lead at the main break.

The half time message from Williams clearly worked as the persistent Cobras worked feverishly back into the game to be within 14-points at the final change.

The Cobras would have given themselves a genuine chance of reeling in the deficit given their recent last quarter returns against the top two heavyweights Melton (+8) and Darley (+15).

With momentum seemingly in favour, the Cobras powered home with five goals straight for the term, enough to deny Hodgson a win against his old club, giving the touring party every reason to celebrate.

Moving forward, the sheer nature of the win, overcoming the top six opposition on the road could potentially be looked back upon as the ‘line in the sand’ game marking the rise of the rebuild.

Given what transpired, it’s fair to say the foundations have been well and truly laid.

The Cobras will aim to make it four wins on the trot in their last hitout of 2023 when they host Ballarat for unofficial eighth ranked honours.

Bacchus Marsh had 21 scoring shots on goal to win over Sunbury who had 34.

What the coaches said

Williams (B/Marsh) – “The result is a true reflection of where we are. The most pleasing thing about today was that we didn’t play well in the first half, but we owned our moments when it counted. While for most today will seem like an upset result, internally we know we have been building into this all year.”

Hodgson (Sunbury) – “Disappointing day, us and the Marsh play pretty different brands. Full credit to them, I felt they got the game on their terms for the majority. We did not work hard enough to get it on ours.”

Final score

Bacchus Marsh 12.9-81 def Sunbury 11.23-79

B/Marsh (Best) – A. Porter, L. Goetz, T. Shea, J. Parente, C. Salmon, J. Owen

B/Marsh (Goals) – C. Salmon 3, J. Freeman 2, J. Owen 1, W. Lalor, L. Goetz, J. Huxtable, R. Porter, I. Nixon, E. McKercher.