Darley coaches to stayfor another BFNL season

ALREADY riding high on top of the BFNL ladder, Darley coach Dan Jordan is vowing to take the Devils to another level after signing a contract extension.

Jordan, who led the Devils to premiership glory in 2023, has recommitted until the end of the 2026 season.

The former Essendon AFL assistant and Bombers VFL coach has coached the Devils since the 2022 season.

He has guided the Devils, who were wooden spooners in 2021, to three straight finals appearances and has them superbly positioned on top of the ladder with a 9-1 record, level on points with reigning premier Melton, a win ahead of East Point in third.

Jordan could not be happier to have inked a one-year extension.

“I am honoured that the club has shown faith in me to renew my contract beyond 2025,” Jordan said.

“I love the club and the playing group.

“Our mutual thirst for success is something that is extremely motivating for both myself and our players.

“I’m a big believer that stability builds success. I have now had this group for four years and believe we are evolving and have a lot of improvement left in us.

“Ultimately, we are striving for another premiership.”

Beaten in extra time by East Point in last year’s preliminary final, the Devils have responded impressively in 2025.

Following a first-up loss to Melton, they have rattled off eight straight wins.

A tough next month includes consecutive games against Sunbury (third), Melton (second), Ballarat (fifth) and finals aspirant Bacchus Marsh (seventh).

Jordan said he continued to be impressed by his playing group’s thirst to learn and to improve.

“The minute we stop trying to get better is the minute we go backwards,” he said.

The popular senior coach extended his gratitude to his partner Penny, his family and the club for their support.

“My favourite thing about Darley is the people who give so much to the club,” he said.

“Our club would be nothing without the blood, sweat, time, tears and financial support that people so selflessly give.

“I’ve loved developing and nurturing our younger players in my four-year tenure thus far and am grateful and look forward to the opportunity to continue to build the club into a humble, gracious and respected entity this year and into 2026.”

In a further vote of confidence in the present and future, the Devils have reappointed A-grade netball coach Shannon Blackman for another season.

Blackman, in her first season at the helm after replacing Di McCormack, has the Devils in second place on the ladder behind Sunbury with an 8-1-1 record.

The Devils’ season hit a new high last Saturday with an 11-goal victory over previously undefeated Sunbury, giving them seven straight wins.