The Ballarat Football League side ran out of legs against Goulburn Valley Football League in the WorkSafe AFL Victoria Community Championships on Saturday.
The game, one of the marquee games of the championships, was played on the MCG, with the crowd presented with a high-quality, high-scoring encounter.
The BFL looked to have control on several occasions, before the GVFL responded late in each quarter.
No more than three goals separated the two teams during the first three quarters.
The GVFL found another level in the last quarter, with Brandyn Grenfell providing a target up forward.
The GVFL side kicked seven final-term goals to win 20.8 (128)-16.10 (106).
BFL coach Shaun O’Loughlin said his side played well for most of the game and it was only the final five minutes that the game slipped away.
“It wasn’t through a lack of effort from our boys,” he said.
“We had as much of the footy as they did … we had our chances, we used the ball pretty well and defended pretty well in the second half to keep ourselves in the game.”
Bacchus Marsh forward Ben Speight was named the BFL’s best in the loss. He kicked eight goals.
Speight, who is in his first year at the Cobras, had previously played on the MCG.
“I played Foxtel Cup with VFL, which was a great opportunity, but I never thought I’d get another opportunity to be back out there again,” he said after the match.
“I was a bit lucky it went my way and I was really happy with my efforts, but it was unlucky for the team.”
Speight said he relished the opportunity to play interleague.
“It’s the best players in the competition and the best in the GVFL.
“To have that opportunity that most of the leagues in the state buy into … I think it’s fantastic.”
Speight was named in the BFL’s best, along with Brian Graham, Steven Kennedy, Tony Lockyer and Grant Valles.
Valles, the Sunbury Lions’ utility, represented the league in 2016 against the Western Region Football League, but said it was a different feeling this year because the MCG was the venue.
“It was a fantastic experience,” he said. “Every boy dreams of playing on the MCG. While it wasn’t the result we wanted, it will definitely be one to put in the memories.
“Everyone was up and about for this one a little bit more than usual. Shaun [O’Loughlin] came in with a great game plan, but unfortunately it didn’t come off in the end.”
Valles, who has been the hero for the Lions in front of goal this season, took to the other end of the field for the BFL.
“I’ve played back all my life, so it wasn’t too bad,” he said. “It’s good to be able to play both positions. I started OK, but there’s probably some things I still need to work on. But overall, I was pretty happy to slot in the back line.”
Valles said he would love to play for the league again, and hopefully get a win next time.
“It was fantastic to get back in the squad with high-quality individuals,” he said. “You learn so much.”
