Devils not taking opportunity for granted

DARLEY coach Dan Jordan believes the slate has been wiped clean as his side prepares for BFNL grand final battle against Sunbury on Saturday.

While the Devils will be riding a 19-game winning streak into the premiership decider, including a 38-point second semi-final win over the Lions a fortnight ago, Jordan suggested the past was largely irrelevant.

“It probably looks a little bit on paper a bit flattering,” he said in regard to the Devils’ imposing 17-1 regular season record.

“Particularly during the middle part of the year, there were three or four games decided by under a kick.

“But having said that, you have to win them and we gained great experience from those games in tight finishes.

“All we’ve done until now is give ourselves the opportunity, and that’s all we wanted to do at the start of the year and we are here.

“We are planning and preparing to bring the best version of ourselves on Saturday.

“If we can do that, we’ll be in the mix.”

Their 38-point semi-final win over the Lions was highlighted by a five-goal haul from Will Johnson, and big games from experienced hands Brett Bewley, Nick Hind and Billy Myers.

The Devils will only be strengthened, with Matt Denham (hamstring), Michael Edwards (ankle) and Zane Le Huray (illness) all likely to be available, necessitating some tough calls at selection.

Jordan insisted it was an enviable rather than unenviable position to be in.

“Unfortunately, individually it can be pretty disappointing, but collectively as a club, that’s exciting,” he said.

“That’s where we want to be, to have potentially four or five guys really stiff to miss out.

“That’s a testament to the club. The strength of your side comes down to not just who’s in your side, but who’s out and who’s unlucky.

“We have had some kids come up and play terrific footy this year and some senior guys who have played their roles really well.

 

“We’ll look at all those factors – and conditions will have a say in that too.

“But to have a healthy list and having guys banging down the door is exciting.”

When it comes to the cruelness that often rears its head at finals time, Jordan speaks from experience.

Having won a premiership early in his senior career with St Bernard’s in the VAFA in 2002, he went on to play in six straight losing ones.

“I was lucky enough to coach one (at Darley) in ’23, but you learn from all those experiences,” Jordan said.

“They shape you and you pick up little things along the way.

“You probably learn to leave nothing to chance, whereas I look back on a few of those (losses), there was probably a few things I left to chance.

“If you leave nothing to chance and you get beat, you walk away with your head held high.

“If you don’t, you’re left wondering.”

With little separating the clubs in their two earlier season battles – wins to Darley by 17 points and eight points – Jordan is expecting nothing than short of Sunbury’s best to contend with on Saturday.

The Lions, under their second-year coach Matthew White, will have plenty of momentum of their own following a stirring 14-point preliminary final win over Melton in extra-time last Saturday.

In a battle to the end between two quality outfits, Jordan branded Sunbury’s effort as impressive.

“Particularly in overtime when they needed to win the game, they attacked hard and got the ball forward and capitalised on their opportunities,” he said.

“We know they are a quality side, having only played them the week before.

“I think both of those teams were deserved of playing off in a grand final and unfortunately only one of them can, so Sunbury it is.

“They are maturing. They went out in their first final last year in their first serious finals campaign in a while, but they look to be standing up and learning from their games.

“They are hard and tough and physical and can cut you apart offensively if you are not on your game.

“We have had three really good clashes during the year, this weekend should be no different.

“But we are more than up for the challenge.”

The Lions are chasing their first senior premiership since 2012.