Goalkicking milestone nice, but Bessell covets more flag success

DARLEY’S Kim Bessell has notched up plenty of personal accolades and milestones during her football career.

But it’s team success and premierships that the Devils’ goalkicking machine ultimately craves.

The 36-year-old hit another milestone in last Sunday’s 70-point win over East Point when she booted her 300th career goal.

Bessell’s big moment arrived in the third quarter with what was her third of three goals for the game.

She duly moved further up the ground in a bid to aid her teammate Maddy Clark, who is remarkably also closing in on 300 career goals, and is expected to tick off the milestone soon – potentially in her 150th game against Bacchus Marsh in round five on 26 April.

For Bessell, her 300th goal was a poignant reminder of how far Darley’s women’s football program has come.

While the Devils are chasing a premiership three-peat in 2025, times weren’t always so rosy.

“I’m pretty rapt considering the first couple of years, Darley really struggled to even kick a couple of goals a game,” Bessell said.

“It was a real struggle.

“We were getting smashed by 244 points in some games.

“I think I won the leading goalkicker award in one of those early seasons and I only kicked four goals.

“The club has definitely come a long way, which is really nice.

“What is nice is we have another one of our girls, Maddy Clarke, who is close to her 300th goal as well.

“She is on 293. It’s pretty good times at Devil-land at the moment.”

Bessell’s 300 goals have come from just 89 games, at a healthy average of 3.4 per game.

Not a bad return for a defender-turned-forward.

She cracked the ton in 2023, booting an astonishing 122 for the season as the Devils charged to a stirring premiership win.

For all her goalkicking exploits, Bessell admits it is team success and camaraderie that ultimately drive her.

“The team is doing well, which is my main priority,” she said.

“I would rather team success over individual success any day of the week.

“I don’t mind kicking a few snags, but obviously I couldn’t do it without the delivery from my teammates.

“I’m just finishing their good work.”

The Devils have again started the season strongly, sitting atop the ladder at 3-0 as one of only two undefeated teams.

They will play Carisbrook this weekend, before a round five showdown against similarly unbeaten Bacchus Marsh.

In a sign that Darley and Redan will have some fierce opposition, the Cobras are yet to concede a goal in three games this season while averaging 105 points per game.

But Bessell can feel a ‘strong as ever’ vibe around Darley as the black and white set their sights on a crack at three straight flags.

“I love playing footy and I love being around the girls – it’s a really great team,” she said.

“Darley is a great club to be around.

“It certainly feels like a home away from home.

“We have won the last two flags and would love to get a third.

“There is nothing like winning a premiership.

“It’s a feeling I’ve felt twice and something I would love to feel again.” More sport on page 29.