Bacchus Marsh blew out the cobwebs with a thumping win against North Ballarat City in the Ballarat Football League.
After a tough round one loss, the Cobras had a bye in round two giving them time to freshen up.
The result was the Cobras at their best early against North Ballarat.
The Cobras first and third quarters were devastating, setting up the 25.15 (165)-10.12 (72) victory.
Cobras coach Travis Hodgson said they had some good moments in the win, but drifted out of the game at other periods.
“It was good and we started well,” he said.
“North got the best of us in the first quarter. At the moment we would like to spread the work out across more quarters.”
Hodgson said having the bye in round two turned out to be a blessing in disguise after a thrilling round one loss against Darley in the grand final rematch.
“I think we were advantaged by being able to freshen up after round one,” he said.
“The first match took a lot out of both teams. Darley is still feeling the affects.
“We would have been the same had we played last week.”
Aaron Willitts kicked six goals, while half-forwards Jake Owen and Ben Speight kicked four goals apiece.
Hodgson said it was good to get a spread of goalkickers.
Scott Sherlock was the best player in the first two and half quarters, before going off after dislocating his shoulder.
Hodgson said the shoulder was able to go back in quickly and they didn’t think he would miss much football.
He was one of two injuries for day, with Simon Lafranchi hurting his groin in the third quarter.
The game was his first for the season after dislocating his knee during last season’s finals series.
He’s expected to miss several weeks.
The win was a special one, with former captain Tyson Shea celebrating game 200.
Hodgson said it was a fitting result to be able to celebrate the career of someone who has stuck through the tough and good times at the club.
“A lot of players leave clubs during the tough times,” he said.
“He’s now getting the benefits of that work and is still playing good football.
“It was a good result to be able to carry him off the ground after a good win.”
The Cobras now face Melton South, which is coming off the bye.
Panthers spearhead Brendan Fevola is available for the game after serving his suspension.
“They’ve got too much talent in their side not to get plenty of wins,” Hodgson said. “You have to respect them.
“Fev makes a big difference to them and they have plenty of top line players.”
In other results, Darley lost a second straight match going down to Sunbury Lions in a thriller. The Lions overcame a 17-point deficit in the last quarter to win 9.9 (63)-9.8 (62).
Melton lost its first game of the season, losing to East Point 13.7 (85)-12.11 (83).
