Devils dare to dream

Darley 10.12 (72) defeated Sunbury 8.14 (68)

AFTER a come from behind victory over the winless Sunbury Lions last Saturday, Darley have taken a huge step towards cementing a finals berth in the McDonalds Ballarat Football League after a disastrous 2021 campaign.

Last season the Devils were the competition’s cellar dwellers and failed to win a game, but under the rebuild of coach, Ballarat Football Netball League hall of famer Dan Jordan, they look firmly poised to rectify that this year.

The Devils have moved back inside the top six, securing there third win of the season after trailing for most of the afternoon.

Jordan implemented a close run on Lions star Daniel Toman, with Luther Baker sacrificing his own game to keep keen eye on the ball magnet.

Sunbury led at every change with Tyson Lever once again doing as he pleased across half back, while Harrison Minton-Connell played his best game in blue and white with his explosiveness from the contest apparent to everyone in attendance at Darley Park.

With Essendon having the bye in the VFL, Travis Hodgson was able to call upon Jake Sutton and Cooper Anderson as his key posts inside forward 50, without regulars Leigh Brennan and Blake Graham being available.

But Lions failed to make the most of their opportunities on the scoreboard with again were unable to kick a winning score.

Class from captain Brett Bewley showcased to everyone why he was on an AFL list, with Nick Rodda a handful in the closing moments through a couple final quarter goals the were the catalyst in the Devils stealing victory.

Trent Angwin was swung back for the first time in season 2022, showing glimpses of his best footy from his premiership footballing days at Bacchus Marsh in the later stages of the second half.

Mace Cousins was sent forward to replace Angwin showing his adaptability at either end with a couple goals as Devils booted seven to five goals in the second half to claim victory.

A mouth-watering away clash with Redan awaits for the victors, with Darley the favourites to walk away with the four points in another traditional ‘eight-point’ encounter.

Meanwhile the bottom place Lions look to finally get on the winners list when they host Lake Wendouree.