The Courier |
BACCHUS Marsh kicked away from Melton after half time to win by 50 points and ensure fleet-footed teenager Liam Duggan would remember his Cobras debut as a victory.
BACCHUS MARSH 19.8 (122)
MELTON 10.12 (72)
The Western Jets-listed 16-year-old was one of a number of Marsh players who showed dare running with the ball as the Cobras won 19.8 (122) to 10.12 (72) under lights at MacPherson Park.
The game was far from memorable for the contest as the Marsh led at every change, but did have enough moments of individual brilliance to keep the crowd entertained.
And Duggan was one such individual, showing his movement and kicking skill to stay a step ahead of his Melton opponents.
Bacchus Marsh left the door ajar for a Melton comeback at half time, failing to make the most of territorial advantage in the second quarter and taking a 24-point lead to half time.
But Melton, mainly through the contested possessions of Darren Haby, fought back to at least stay within striking distance.
But any fears of a Melton comeback were laid to rest after the long break, with Bacchus Marsh instead running away.
A burst of five goals in eight minutes blew the margin out to 56 points and ensured a comfortable final quarter for the Cobras.
Bacchus Marsh coach Doug Hawkins said his team had shown its best training form during the week and replicated it on match-day.
A re-think of how the bench worked was a key to Bacchus Marsh running out the game effectively.
"We hadn't played a four-quarter game yet and tonight was the closest yet,'' Hawkins said.
"Our rotations this week worked very well, we hadn't done it in the two weeks before with our good players coming off the ground."
Hawkins singled out Duggan for praise both when speaking to his players post-match and also when speaking to The Courier.
"He'll play league footy, quote that, I said it two years ago after the under-16.5 grand final and again now, he's a jet," he said.
