Match Previews | Round 8 presents some massive road trips as clashes up and down the highway will set the tone of the BFNL's current power rankings.

 Bacchus Marsh face an ideal opportunity to atone for last week’s disappointment when they host the Lakers at Maddingley Park.

Dennis Armfield’s group cling to fifth spot on the BFNL table, a game clear of Melton and Sunbury who are sure to mount a challenge on the rise at some stage.

The Cobras, while expected to win, will have to get the job done without prime mover Jake Owen (hamstring).

Evidently Owen’s aerial prowess makes up one of just two key areas the Cobras rank in the ‘elite’ space according to Premier Data.

The other, hitouts - enter Luke Goetz.

The standout ruckman endured a tough afternoon last week, like many of his teammates, up against 200cm mobile Swans pair Patrick Graham and Biggie Nyuon.

Goetz task on Saturday has been made relatively easier in the absence of well-respected Lakers’ ruckman Tom Zampatti who succumbed to a repeat ACL injury three weeks ago.

More broadly the numbers don’t lie for the Cobras. Closing the gap between their best and worst is symptomatic of a young team striving for greater consistency.

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