Master coach embraces new Devils challenge

A NEW era in women’s football at Ballarat Football Netball League club Darley will come with a familiar face at the helm.

After guiding the Devils to the past three BFLW senior premierships, Brett Faulkhead is taking up the challenge as coach of the club’s inaugural under-19s team.

The addition of the Devils will boost the number of teams participating in the under-19 competition to at least six in 2026.

With three senior premierships behind him, Faulkhead believes the time is right to introduce under-19 girls to the next stage of their football life at Darley.

“It will be an opportunity for them to learn, understand and play at a different level, whilst introducing structures and game styles, improving their way of thinking during game play, whilst at the same time, taking their current skills to the next level,” he said.

Planning for the Devils’ debut under-19 season is well advanced, with at least 15 girls ready to make the step up from the club’s under-16 team that made it through to this year’s preliminary final.

Faulkhead’s time at Darley has not only coincided with a period of sustained team success, but a string of individual accomplishments and honours.

Among the senior playing group, star on-baller Lilli Condon has won back-to-back league best and fairest awards (2024-25), sharpshooter Kim Bessell has won multiple goalkicking awards, while multiple players have gone on to play further football in the VFLW.

The Devils capped a stirring senior three-peat with a 21-point triumph over arch-rival Redan in late-August.

They took the long route to the grand final after they were beaten in the first week of finals by Bacchus Marsh.

For Faulkhead, success is not measured by wins and losses, but is about offering players opportunity and pathways within the club and beyond.

“Now that the under-19s has been introduced, it will allow the club to bridge the gap between the juniors and seniors,” he said.

“We want our programs to foster skills for sports and life; such as self-belief, trust, team building, leadership, sporting skills, and enjoyment.

“Our success as a club is measured by the outcomes we can offer for our players on and off the field.”

Looking ahead to season 2026, Faulkhead says it will be about “creating our own identity”.

“It will be challenging whilst at the same time exciting as we get the opportunity to pave the way for our current list plus our juniors coming through the ranks,” he said.

The club is actively seeking under-19 recruits to add to its existing player base.

To register interest in joining the club, contact Janelle Hoey on 0405 495 676.