Future boost win

By Todd Whelan

Bacchus Marsh impressed with a dominant 92-point win over Lake Wendouree at Maddingley Park last Saturday.

Up and comer Isaac Nixon (six goals) and former Captain Jake Owen (four goals) did the bulk of the damage forward for the Cobras with their aerial presence and accuracy at goal a major feature.

The duo were the ultimate beneficiaries of a landslide in clearance numbers. Midfield trio Luke Goetz, Tyson Shea and Jake McReery combined for a feast of possessions and were the primary instigators behind many of the 38 shots on goal for the Cobras, culminating in their highest score of the year.

Next generation players led by Nixon, gave every indication the future of the Cobras is bright.

Pick-pocket small forward Ethan McKercher looks every bit a potential 100+ gamer in an underrated role, often capped with impact opportunities. His one touch crumbing and defensive pressure meets the criteria, his leg speed and skill consolidating assets.

Jack Kovacevic is fit, still raw in his development but is making lengthy strides forward and looks a likely running type off half back though the crystal ball.

Cody Gates, Cody Salmon and Will Lalor enjoyed confidence-building moments in the infancies of their senior careers – enough to back it up next week against quality opposition on the wide expanses of the Clark Oval.

The Porter boys Alex and Rylan finished with two goals apiece, with Rylan’s second quarter volley a goal of the year contender – surely a ‘strike’ any world class professional of the round ball game would be proud of.

Eamonn Ogdens dashing run off half back was duly noted, while Jack Parente, Jonathan Bissell and Xavier Jenks played solid support roles in defence.

While the Cobras four wins have come against the bottom two teams there was enough shown on the weekend that some joy against teams above them is not beyond reach.

Sunbury on the road looks a genuine throw at the stumps game this week but the Cobras would fancy their chances against Ballarat in their last home and away game of the season. A win over the Swans would see the Cobras finish (likely) in eighth place, an accurate sum of all parts in an otherwise season rebuild under new coach Jason Williams.

What the coaches said

Williams (B/Marsh) – “Today we rolled out closest to our best squad for the season and got the result that reflects the personnel. (It) really sets us up for the last two games of the year.”

Shearer (Lakers) – “We were very poor today. Credit to Jason and his Bacchus Marsh lad’s. They were dominant in the midfield and set up the win from there.”

Final score

Bacchus Marsh 19.19-133 def Lakers 6.5-41

B/Marsh (Whelan’s Best) – I. Nixon, T. Shea, J. McReery, L. Goetz, J. Owen, A. Porter, E. Ogden.

B/Marsh (Goals) – I. Nixon 6, J. Owen 4, R. Porter 2, A. Porter, A. Craig 1, E. McKercher, J. McReery, W. Lalor, J. Kovacevic.