Cobras fall agonisingly short

By Todd Whelan

Bacchus Marsh Football Club

Pre match favourites Redan Lions survived an almighty scare from a spirited Bacchus Marsh to hold on and win by four points at City Oval last Saturday.

The final siren couldn’t come quick enough for Gary Learmonth’s Lions as momentum swung entirely with the visitors. The Cobras were left lamenting missed opportunities (again) in front of goal in what was their best quarter for the season to date. But the Cobras 4.6 return to the Lions’ 0.3 wasn’t enough to reel in the 31-point deficit at the final change.

Lions’ youngster Marty Boyer starred with five goals showing off his forward craft and footy smarts in a true breakout game by definition. Encouragingly, Boyer was one of 12 players to feature still eligible for Under 19 selection (Redan 4, Bacchus Marsh 8). Experienced Lions defence duo Jacob Short and Nick Barker were a constant thorn in the Cobras efforts, and more often the beneficiaries of some poor Cobra entries inside 50. For three quarters, Redan answered every challenge thrown at them, denying the Cobras back-to-back goals for the most part, maintaining an arms-length advantage at every change in ‘no excuse’ conditions for football.

The Cobras witnessed Jake Owen’s best game for the new season while ruckman Luke Goetz dominated in his role, continuing to build on a solid block of form. Co-captain Jack Parente was staunch, playing above his years across half back. Jake McCreery was never far away from the action and kept the Cobras in it around stoppage while Ethan McKercher was lively at ground level.

Congratulations to Bryce Kerney who didn’t look out of place on debut. In fact, he looked dangerous on occasions along with fellow home grown talent Joel Freeman (two goals), Jack Kovacevic, Josh Huxtable, Isaac Nixon, Cody Gates and Callum Smith.

Slick moving new recruit Jake Long made his highly anticipated debut in the red, yellow and black colors and will be better for the run. The Collingwood VFL listed product showed glimpses of class which looms exciting for Cobra fans moving forward.

The Cobras are now 0-4 into their 2023 season rebuild and have the bye this week in Round 5.

WHAT THE COACHES SAID
Learmonth (Redan) – “We were lucky to hold on in the end. Credit to the Marsh, they fought the game out for four quarters. We showed some good signs in the main for the first three quarters but turnovers under little or no pressure allowed the Marsh to stay close.”
Williams (B/Marsh) – “Another step in the right direction today. Unfortunately, we let ourselves down in the first half and Redan put us to the sword. While happy with the improvement, we’re disappointed to leave a result out there.”

Final Score
Bacchus Marsh – 12.11-83 lost Redan 13.9-87
B/MARSH (WHELAN’S BEST) – J. Owen, J. Parente, L. Goetz, J. McCreery, E. McKercher.
B/MARSH (GOALS) – J. Owen 3, J. Freeman 2, J. McCreery, E. McKercher 1, B. Kerney, K. Tyrell, L. Goetz, J. Kovacevic.