It wasn’t just one thing that Redan did better than Bacchus Marsh in their Ballarat Football League clash on Saturday – it was everything.
That was the blunt view of Cobras football manager Adam Sutherland following his side’s 19.14 (128) to 4.6 (30) loss at Maddingley Park.
PICTURE GALLERY: Bacchus Marsh v Redan
“They were far to good in all areas of the game and credit to them,” Sutherland said. “We let ourselves down … missing senior players, we needed players to step up and they didn’t.
“In a nutshell, they beat us at everything. They had better ball-handling skills… they ran better and it showed on the scoreboard.”
Sutherland said that after two one-point losses in their past two matches, the Cobras were in line for a reality check.
“Not making any excuses, but we were due to have a poor performance – but you don’t expect that,” he said.
“This is one of those seasons where teams will have two to three good weeks then have a poor performance.
“Redan and North Ballarat City are at a different level, but we think we can compete and win against all the other teams.
“A couple of the younger players – Logan Blundell [who kicked two goals] and Kane White – were good in patches, but there wasn’t much else.
The seconds, though, had a convincing win and are now on top of the ladder. It’s good to have some pressure from underneath pushing the senior guys.”
The loss leaves the Cobras sitting sixth on the ladder with three wins and four losses.
This week, they will take on third-placed Ballarat.
“We think we can win the game,” Sutherland said.
“I haven’t yet spoken to Cam [coach Cameron Richardson] about what we will focus on during the week.
“We will get Cam back from suspension, which will be a big boost, as he is our best player, but he is only one of 22 on the field.”
