Devils Down regaining premiers

Darley 7.6 (48) defeated East Point 5.17 (47)

WAYWARD kicking from the fast-finishing Kanags was too costly as Darley held on by the slimmest of margins to secure their progression in the McDonald’s Ballarat Football League finals series on Sunday.

A behind in the 25th minute of the final term from Dylon Bishop was the difference as the Devils back six, led by Matthew Brett, Darren Leonard and Shane Page, held on from repeat stoppage after stoppage to walk away with the victory.

Finishing winless in the 2021 season, the remarkable turnaround from Darley was made even more impressive with the worst kept secret of the week, in captain Brett Bewley a late withdrawal with that calf complaint.

Four out of the last five premierships have been won by these two sides and East Point went in as favourites, despite both Johnston Brothers playing through injury concerns.

2022 joint Tony Lockett Medallist, Nick Rodda, barely had a sniff and kicked just the one goal while Jake Bridges men did a terrific job in limiting the influencing of Dylan Landt who had his quietest game in black and white to date.

However, Matt and Jordan Johnston booted seven behinds and no goals for the Kangas with a 3.12 second half a costly one in the end for East Point.

Darley are now eight and one with the VFL-listed Landt available and their good back end form of holds them in good stead to try and cause the upset next week by sending the Ballarat Swans out in straight sets.

This real arm-wrestle was the last coaching performance for out-going Premiership winner in Jake Bridges, with now a new name to be engraved on the cup this year with East Point failing to get the job done.

The Devils may roll the dice with Bewley next week as he’s a genuine 50-50 chance, while Bailey Young left the game late with a lower leg injury and Mitch Ward played through a left shoulder knock throughout the afternoon.

A victory to savour for BFNL Hall of Famer and Darley coach Dan Jordan, who has the chance to become a legend of another club in this competition if he’s able to take his Devils deep into September.