Tara Murray
It’s a case of short term pain for long term gain for Bacchus Marsh in the Ballarat Football League this season.
With a number of off season departures, the Cobras are taking the approach of looking towards the future and blooding the next generation.
The focus on youth has had an impact on results, with the Cobras without a win after the first three games.
Coach Jason Williams said it has been a tough start results wise, but they’re looking at the bigger picture.
“In terms of playing young kids on the field, we’ve been able to do that,” he said.
“With so many players leaving we don’t have a choice and it’s now about laying the foundations for our next premiership side.
“We’re getting important games into the whole group. Normally you might get one or two getting games.
“We had 11 under-20 on Saturday and seven under-18. We’re playing a lot of kids.”
Williams said one of the biggest learning curves was that there would be a lot of ups and downs with having so many younger players stepping up.
He said the group would get better as they get more football under their belts.
“Some weeks they will be better than anyone expected and then they won’t have the same energy as they played the week before,” he said.
“It was the case against Darley and the way the kids played [really well]. They lacked the energy early against North Ballarat and momentum is a hard thing to get back.
“It was one of those days and you have a bit of frustration and want a little bit more effort, but there’s a reason for it.”
Williams said there’s so many young guys to get excited about, many of them who are part of the talent pathway systems.
He highlighted Cody Gates, Josh Huxtable, Ethan Davis and Jack Kovacevic. Joel Freeman was in the goals on Saturday, while Callum Smith is another.
Williams also singled out Kai Tyrrell saying he lacked confidence early in the pre-season, but was now getting close to playing some really good football at this level.
On Saturday, the Cobras lost to North Ballarat, 18.13 (121)-7.11 (53). North Ballarat led throughout the match and was able to build the lead in every quarter.
Simon Lafranchi was named the Cobras best.
Williams said the focus for the group was to continue building on what they’ve been doing.
“We want to trend in the right direction,” he said.
“The key stats we want to close the gap on the opposition.
“So far we’re doing a good job of it. Sebastopol smashed us in every stat, but against Darley we closed the gap.
“Yesterday [Saturday] was our best day for inside 50s and we’ve taken steps week by week.
“It will take time and a large body of work. I’m happy with where we are going.”
In other matches, Darley was too strong for East Point, winning 14.16 (100)-9.7 (61). Melton won the grand final rematch against Sebastopol, 11.12 (78)-9.7 (61).
Melton South had a tough day against the Sunbury Lions, losing 25.21 (171)-6.3 (39).
