Sport
1 May, 2026
Lady Redbacks battle against the Cobras
The Carisbrook Lady Redbacks produced a spirited performance on home turf last Sunday, but were unable to stop the Bacchus Marsh Cobras from taking a 129-point victory.
The Lady Redbacks received some major reinforcements ahead of their season home opener following their drought-breaking 124-point victory over Lake Wendouree the week prior.
With Arna Tatchell, Grace Brady, Rhani Evans, Jazmin Wintle-Burton, Abbey Klemm, Bridget Epworth, Quetta Holloway-Jinks, Ashlyne McInnes and Kimberley Whittingslow all coming into the side, the hosts were determined to provide a challenge to the Cobras.
Despite the majority of the play residing in Bacchus Marsh’s forward 50 in the early stages, Carisbrook battled hard in the contest, challenging the favourites to every loose ball.
Alongside an early behind, the Lady Redbacks limited the venomous Cobras to five first-quarter goals.
With Emme Johnson’s ruckwork giving more opportunities for the likes of Brady and Charlotte Cain to influence the match, Carisbrook relieved some defensive pressure with several inside 50s throughout the second term, resulting in another minor score.
Despite restricted chances, Bacchus Marsh extended their margin to 56 points at half time thanks to their pinpoint accuracy in front of goal.
Holloway-Jinks was outstanding in defence when play resumed in the second half, eliminating several scoring opportunities for the visitors with her fearless attack on the football.
However, Bacchus Marsh’s off-ball structure and elite intercept marking allowed them to effectively trap the ball in their forward 50, resulting in the Cobras booting 39 unanswered points in the third term.
Bacchus Marsh forwards Jamie-Lee Speakman and Isabella Faralla ended with eight and five goals respectively, helping their team kick a final score of 20.11.(131) to Carisbrook’s 0.2.(2).
The Lady Redbacks named Holloway-Jinks, Johnson, McInnes, Brady, Cain and Tamika Loone-Grundy as their best players.
Carisbrook will look to rebound this Sunday at Carisbrook Recreation Reserve against a new foe in the Ballarat Swans.
With 2026 marking the club’s first BFLW senior season, the Swans stamped their inaugural campaign with a 139-point win over Lake Wendouree on Anzac Day.