Bacchus Marsh is within one win of its first grand final appearance in 17 years after a relentless 41-point win over Lake Wendouree in the Ballarat Football League qualifying final.
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The Cobras kept the minor premier goalless in the second half as they took complete charge at the Eastern Oval on Saturday.
It was a total contrast to the opening two quarters, when Lake Wendouree made most of the running to lead by 21 points.
Lakers constantly had an edgy Bacchus Marsh, playing in its first finals series since 2001, on the back foot and with little of the ball control and poise which had given it a top two finish.
Then came the role reversals as Bacchus Marsh poured on 9.10 to 0.2 after the main break to go away 13.13 (91) to 7.8 (50)
The Cobras retain the double chance and now play Sunbury in the second semi-final at Eastern Oval – preferred venue Darley Park is unavailable – on Saturday.
Bacchus Marsh coach Travis Hodgson said after having to deal with Lakers’ cleaner work at stoppages and generally better organised play early, the Cobras had turned the tables with an increased work rate and energy.
“We came out (after half-time) much harder at the ball and the man.”
After struggling to do the basics such as stick tackles, the Cobras smothered Lake Wendouree and at the same time opened up their own space.
Hodgson said his players would undoubtedly be better for the experience.
Lake Wendouree coach Gavin Webb said Bacchus Marsh’s 40 inside 50s to Lakers’ 15 after half-time told much of the story.
He said it had been an extremely disappointing outcome after Lakers controlled most of the first half.
“They made us look slow, but that tends to happen when you don’t have the ball.
“We went into half-time with good energy and then they got their tail up.”
Webb said Lakers now had no option but to respond.
“We have to bounce back and produce our best (in the first semi-final),” he said.
Everything went to plan for Lake Wendouree early.
Spearhead Andrew Piston kicked the first goal on the run on seven minutes.
With Bacchus Marsh rushed and bombing the ball into attack, Lake Wendouree comfortably kept the Cobras at bay and built up a 19-point lead.
Hamish Coulton opened Bacchus Marsh’s scoring with a goal just seconds before the siren.
Little changed with the ever elusive Nick Peters too quick on his feet and the likes of Steve Clifton, Jack Elkington (three goals), Ben Hayes and Angus Kirby having an influence.
Ruckman Daniel Burton was among the few Cobras getting a say.
The transformation was led by the Bacchus Marsh midfield with the likes of Tyson Shea and Alec Del Papa getting its key forwards Cam Richardson, Jarrah Maksymow and Damian Cupido into the game, and at the same denying Lakers the ball.
Lake Wendouree went into the game without Nathan Pring (leg) and Tanner Robertson (leg), who were selected after injury, but failed to pull up well enough after training commitments.
Bacchus Marsh lost Lachlan Phyland with heel trouble.