Devils clip Swans

The reigning Premiers handed league improvers Ballarat a lesson around the ball, with a dominant 64-point win at Alfredton Oval.

Despite kicking the first two goals of the game, the Swans proved no match for another Brett Bewley-led masterclass, as the Devils went to work booting 18 of the remaining 24 goals of the game.

Underrated Devils small forward Leigh Spiteri (four goals) backed up his three goal return against the Cobras a week earlier, to share best on ground honours with Bewley (one goal).

Star utility Billy Myers also booted four goals for the winners ahead of a number of contributors hitting the scoreboard. Experienced midfielders Luther Baker and Matt Denham ensured the Devils held a clear advantage at stoppage, especially at centre bounce.

For the Swans Andrew Hopper (two goals) looked dangerous early while Footscray VFL listed pair Rhett Montgomorie and Angus Bade shouldered much of the resistance before the Devils hit top gear.

It won’t get any easier for Chris Maple’s young Swans this Saturday when they travel to face unbeaten Melton. Darley host bogie side Redan, who have won four of their last six encounters head to head.

COACHES VERDICT

OVERALL Jordan (Darley): “Came away with a win where we saw patches of our best footy. Plenty to work on as we move forward. Full credit to Ballarat for a great challenge and running out the game.”

Maple (Ballarat): “We started the game in a really competitive nature. Unfortunately we were unable to sustain the pressure. Plenty of learning in this game for us, (especially) in the stoppage and territory game. We will review, learn, modify and move on.”

DEFENCE Jordan (Darley): “Solid enough on their keys. (Zane) Lehuray pick of the bunch with some good intercepts. Their smalls kicked a few late.”

MIDS Jordan (Darley): “Good first half of compliance got a little tardy in the second with their guys on the move around stoppage.”

FORWARDS Jordan (Darley): “Had their moments dealing with extra defensive numbers. (Brady) Wright presented well but couldn’t convert. (Harley) Inglis and (Leigh) Spiteri were good at ground level.”

Final scores: Darley 4.2-26, 9.3-57, 14.8-74, 18.11-119 def Ballarat 3.2-20, 4.4-28, 5.4-33, 8.7-55

Darley (Best): L.Spiteri, B.Bewley,L.Baker, M.Denham, J.Fawcett, H.Inglis.

Darley (Goals): L.Spiteri 4, B.Myers 4, H.Inglis 2, W.Johnson 2, J.Cadman 2,, B.Bewley, B.Wright, Ad.Azzopardi, D.Bishop.

Ballarat (Best): R.Montgomery, A.Bade, L.Rinaldi, W.Squires, A.Hooper.

Ballarat (Goals): A.Hooper 2, Z.Rinaldi 2, F.Perkins 2, J.O’Brien, B.Wardley.