With the 2025 season on the horizon, Scoop has caught up with all our senior footy coaches as we build towards an epic Round 1!
Entering their second year under senior coach Dennis Armfield, the Cobras are looking to add a few more strings to their bow as they prepare to continue their build towards finals football.
SCOOP: Welcome Dennis, what did you learn about the Cobras in your first year in charge?
DENNIS ARMFIELD: Well firstly, I must admit I was positively surprised with the high quality of competition in the BFNL. You can't afford to be off the mark. At Bacchus Marsh we're confident the foundations in place both on and off field will hold us good stead. Our junior program is sound and will continue to grow. For our senior group, we need to develop our Plan B and Plan C styles, building on our ability to adapt on the run (in games). We will refine our game style to aid in maximising our strengths while minimising those (strengths) of the opposition. We must develop our ability to put value on the right aspects of the game both individually and as a team.
S: Do you believe this (predominantly) young group needs more experienced players around them to truly flourish?
DA: It's definitely something we've considered - targeting players in their mid to late 20's to add to the group. However, these 'young' blokes are now in the 20+ games bracket and need to develop their own self-belief. We believe we have the necessary tools accompanied by a new-look coaching team that provides clarity on roles, responsibilities and success KPI's within a more structured system. More broadly we have identified the need for more effective coach-player communications and are working hard in this space.
S: The signing of Geelong premiership player Zach Tuohy is great news for the club - how did that come about and how many number of games are the club expecting from the 35 year old?
DA: Zach and I go back to our Carlton days and have been great mates since, connecting monthly on the golf course. Getting him to Bacchus Marsh has been a gradual build over the last six months post knowledge of his intended retirement from the AFL. Zach wants to contribute as often as he can and will be available pending his schedule and we as a club fully support him on this journey. We're hopeful for more than less but cannot give you a finite number for you at this time.
S: Just the one win at home in 2024, how do you go about restoring a 'hard to beat' reputation at Maddingley Park?
DA: We want to be hard to beat anywhere. We are working to develop our 'brand’ and this is not about just building a reputation at home. Consistency and effort from quarter to quarter, week to week will see us tough to play home or away, week in, week out.
S: What does the announcement of Sam Lalor as the number one draft pick mean to a local footy club like Bacchus Marsh?
DA: Incredible achievement from Sam, the club and the community is very proud. We had 100+ attend the club to watch the draft night unfold highlighting the support. The announcement speaks volumes of his effort. The Lalor family name is embedded with Bacchus Marsh. For the record we tried to get Sam to play a couple of games for us last year but for obvious reasons (AFL focus) it didn't eventuate.
S: Jake Owen has been your most important key position player for a number of years now. Who is next in line capable of impacting games at either end?
DA: Jake has been crucial - a bona fide team first leader by example. We need to diversify our options - I can see either Nick Dunshea, Will Lalor, Rhy Penny, Kai Tyrell or Jackson Dellar holding down a key post with an aerial presence in front of (forward) or behind the ball (down back).
S: Have you settled upon what roles best suit next gen quintet Josh Huxtable, Isaac Nixon, Will Lalor, Ethan McKercher and Jack Kovacevic?
DA: The short answer is no but that's not a bad thing. They all have their preferred role and we agree on this however, we'll continue to diversify their game - flexibility and adaptability are crucial for the modern day player. It's a great problem to have especially when we need to explore our Plan B and C option for example. All have strong development on the back of a strong pre-season so far.
S: Last year you ranked 9th for offence and 8th in defence but there were honourable losses late against Darley (24) and Sunbury (13). How do you coach belief that your best is capable?
DA: Belief is built on preparation. I afforded too many freedoms to the group last year (shoot-outs) - I’ll own that and will fine tune the approach for 2025. We need to minimise damage, reset quickly and avoid compounding outcomes (i.e. back-to-back goals). Belief is not lost within our group - we know our best is very competitive, having greater consistency can only aid belief.
S: Tell us about the new additions to the club and their likely roles…
DA: Z. Tuohy (Geelong AFL) - leadership. education, flexibility
N. Dunshea (SANFL) - 6'5" forward/back option
J. Fulton (Pint, Bell Park) - inside mid, powerful kick, scoring ability
J. Wheeler (Melton) - running mid
J. Goble (Point Cook) - aggressive small defender/mid
C. Lear (Western Suns) - 150 senior games experience, leadership, key back
L. Braszell - strong, aerial strength, balanced
H. Coller - 6'2", basketball background, predictability
S: What's the message to Cobra fans ahead of the new season?
DA: To our loyal Cobra community - thank you. 2025 is about growth, resilience and building a proud brand of footy. We're excited about our on and off field representation and rapt to have added fresh faces to both our football and netball programs. We'll continue working hard to provide a welcoming environment where people want to come. We are realistic of the challenge ahead, but the boys have embraced everything to date. Stay loud and proud Cobra fans and we'll see you all in round one at Maddingley Park when we take on the Lakers.
PLAYER INS
Z. Touhy (Geelong AFL), N. Dunshea (SANFL), J. Fulton (Pint, Bell Park) J. Wheeler (Melton), J. Goble (Point Cook), C. Lear (Western Suns), L. Braszell
PLAYER OUTS
A. Everitt (retired), D. Armfield (retired), B. Kearny (Melton South)
VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS
Rye Penny (Werribee), Isaac Nixon (Werribee)
PRACTICE MATCH SCHEDULE
March 15 vs Newport (A)
March 22 vs Williamstown CYMS (A)
March 29 - vs Portarlington (H TBA)
IMPROVERS TIP (OUTSIDE OF BACCHUS MARSH)
DA: Sebastopol
FLAG TIP (OUTSIDE OF BACCHUS MARSH)
DA: Melton
