2023 BFNL CLUB PREVIEWS – PART 3

By Todd Whelan

CLUB: Darley
COACH: Dan Jordan

ON THE RECORD:
(Todd): Can we expect much of the same from the Devils in 2023 or is it fair to suggest you can better a group second time around – natural progression if you will?
(Dan): Clearly last year was an educational phase learning how we want to play. Given that base we have an opportunity to consolidate and build on our connection and familiarity.
(Todd): You lose A Grade talent Nick Rodda and Dylan Landt – does this make the challenge considerably more difficult to improve?
(Dan): It’s exciting really. Opportunity presents for some that wouldn’t necessarily have had that chance with Nick and Dylan in the side. Spreading the load essentially is what we’re ready to embrace.
(Todd): You played Grand Finalists Melton and Sebastopol only once in 2022 but still averaged 75.3 points AGST per game (comp #6) – please rank in order your primary ‘line’ concern/focus during the pre-season (1,2,3)…
(Dan): There’s no one particular focus. All three lines we will aim to develop. I see considerable growth for this group with our connection and depth.
(Todd): The addition of Billy Myers is significant. His versatility gives you options. If round one was tomorrow – where would we likely see him line-up? Do you have an ideal position ear marked for him?
(Dan): Billy is a quality player who drives standards in preparation and on the track along with Brett (Bewley). We’re kind of tossing up at the moment to be honest what role would be ‘the ideal’. At the moment I would say forward / mid but his versatility as you say certainly gives us options.
(Todd): Runaway 2022 Henderson Medalist Brett Bewley was hampered by a calf complaint at the business end of last year. Has that meant a re-assessment of his potential midfield minutes despite the absence of Landt?
(Dan): Depends on our depth around the ball. Brett shouldered a heavy workload for us last year and had an outstanding season. I’ve always been a fan of having your best players around the ball, but we’ll keep an eye on it – I’m quite happy for him to be peaking later than round one.

IDENTIFIED STRENGTHS:
(Dan): Our connection in defence and knowing each other’s roles.

PROJECTED IMPROVEMENT:
(Dan): Contested ball craft and intensity. Creative ball movement and less predictability.
Forward half defence. Dealing with expectation

PRE-SEASON TRAINING:
(Dan): The boys came back after the break looking good. That fitness base gives us an advantage to work at higher intensity and be less prone to injury.

PLAYER INS:
B.Myers (Williamstown), M.Denham (Melton), B.Sullivan (Melton South), R.Matricardi (Trentham), D.Matricardi (Trentham)

PLAYER OUTS:
N.Rodda (moved to Warrnambool), D.Landt (NT, Dimboola)

VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS:
B.Young (Footscray). M.Cousins (Geelong)

IMPROVERS: (OUTSIDE OF DARLEY)
(Dan): Sunbury – played some good footy at the back end of last season. Beat Melton.

FLAG TIP: (OUTSIDE OF DARLEY)
(Dan): Melton – similar to last year, hard to beat.

Todd’s Darley prediction – 3rd

For Todd’s preview of East Point and North Ballarat, read Page 19 of the 4 April edition of the Moorabool News here.