By Todd Whelan<\/p>\n
Ladder leaders Melton proved too good for a competitive Bacchus Marsh, winning by 39 points last Saturday.<\/p>\n
The Cobras were not shy on their fair share of possession but were made to pay for their inefficiencies against the competition benchmark.<\/p>\n
For all of the red, yellow and black buy-in, scoring was scarce for the opening three quarters managing just one goal, one behind for each period.<\/p>\n
The visitors were the ultimate beneficiaries of the Cobras poor kicking game and led by as much as 51 points at the final change. But for all of the Cobras inadequacies there were positive signs that saw the Bloods made to work hard for their spoils.<\/p>\n
Progressive Cobra youngsters Isaac Nixon and Josh Huxtable were busy. Externally (later confirmed) it was thought Nixon had a defensive forward role on Bloods rebound ace Jordy Cotter. Not only did the Western Jets listed Nixon (one goal) deny Cotter his usual license to manipulate transition he was able to have an impact of his own. The sum of all Nixon\u2019s contributions validated his listing as the club\u2019s best player.<\/p>\n
Huxtable had the ball on a string early proving an important metres gained contributor when the game was still seemingly in the balance. <\/p>\n
While it was no surprise to see Luke Goetz shade Bloods big man Ben Archard for hit outs, the Cobras in essence failed to gain any real bang for buck out of stoppage and lacked a key aerial target across half forward. <\/p>\n
Prime Cobras mover Jake Owen spent the first three quarters in defence before a final term switch saw him convert just six minutes into his more familiar role forward.<\/p>\n
Co-Captain Jack Parente (two goals) was industrious the longer the game went while Alex Porters ball use by foot was an exception to the Cobras struggles in this area of the game.<\/p>\n
Defender Jonathon Bissell continues to improve and broke even against his more experienced opponent Ryan Carter (three goals). <\/p>\n
Furthermore, there was some reward for the Cobra\u2019s intent to play the game out with a five goals to three fourth quarter win.<\/p>\n
Another opportunity presents for the Cobras this Saturday when they meet cross town rival and fourth placed Devils (8-2) on the broad expanses of Darley Park. If similar returns on the efficiency front are forthcoming for the Cobras regardless of effort, it\u2019s fair to expect a similar result to their weekends shortfalls. A correction, however, would see the window slightly ajar causing an unlikely upset. <\/p>\n