Devils’ poise and composure shines through

DARLEY coach Danyel Waters has praised her side’s composure and ability to close out the game after defeating fierce rival Redan by 22 points in their Anzac Day eve clash.

The Devils moved to 3-0 on the BFLW senior women’s ladder with a well-crafted 11.6 (72) to 8.2 (50) victory under lights at C.E. Brown Reserve.

Redan (3-1) suffered its first loss of the season, but retained top spot on the ladder courtesy of its superior percentage.

The clash was the first between the two powerhouses since the Devils defeated the Lions in last year’s grand final, capping a premiership three-peat.

Waters hailed an impressive opening quarter by the Devils as setting the tone for the match.

Despite conceding the opening goal of the match, they led by 15 points at quarter time, a margin the Lions were never able to peg back.

“Our game plan going into was very much around we were never going to panic and we were going to keep our composure,” Waters said.

“That first impact on the scoreboard didn’t rattle us, we knew we would get it back, and we did with two goals in succession.

“There always a bit of apprehension against Redan, not because there is history and being a grand final rematch, but more because they are a tough, physical side.

“There’s preparation that needs to go into that; not just dealing with that physically, but how to keep your composure and cool in these sorts of games.

“That’s what we focused on going into the game.”

A hard-earned win was highlighted by another sterling midfield effort from Ruby Thomas, who capped her prolific performance with three goals.

Kim Bessell led all Devils players with four goals, while the main opposition to Thomas’ status as Darley’s best player, Charlotte Hill booted two.

Waters lauded Bessell, who has now booted 366 goals a cross her career, for embracing a change in role by spending increased time in defence this season.

“Kim is ever-reliable. We’ve thrown up a bit of a challenge for her this year,” she said.

“That’s part of our development plan for her, to work on her strength in defence. That will only help her with her forward craft.

“She is just so strong and just holds her player back so well, and as we know, is so handy in front of the sticks.

“Not that she loves playing at the other end, but to her credit, she has rocked up this season ready to develop her game.

“For a 200-plus game veteran, it’s something to be admired.”

A newcomer to Darley this season, Taylah Markham (recruited from South Warrnambool) proved her value in defence, rebounding solidly and providing plenty of run, while plaudits went the way of Tahlia Sciarra promoted from the under-19s for her second senior game this season.

“We unfortunately had a bit of change at the 11th hour to our starting board and lost three big players,” Waters said.

“That’s an exciting thing to come out of the win, we’ve still got some depth to come in. It wasn’t near our best team.

“But Spud (Sciarra) was a great addition and did a great job on Jess Bokma, so were absolutely stoked with her efforts.

“It helps that she had some senior experience from last year when we didn’t have an under-19s side.

“She was definitely up for the challenge.”

Chantelle Whiting, Madison Hayes, Nicola Clark, Laura Fitzgibbon, Rose Russell and Georgie Hassell rated as Redan’s best.

The Devils will look to extend their winning streak against Bacchus Marsh at Darley Park this Sunday, with the third-placed Cobras coming off a big 129-point win over Carisbrook.

Jamie-Lee Speakman led the way with eight goals, while Isabella Faralla booted five.

Ella Bradbury, Mel Freeman, Kavalyn Raverty and Amy Garofalo were other main contributors.

Waters said the Devils would continue to focus on what had served them so well already this season.