Devils cook-a-burra

By Todd Whelan

Rejuvenated Darley ended a two-game losing streak with a morale boosting 17 point win over flag fancy Sebastopol.

The Devils led by versatile forward Will Johnson (five goals) and star midfielder Brett Bewley, held off a game Burras outfit sporting 17 players (no Tony Lockyer) from their 2022 Grand Final side.

Darley Park played host to trying conditions with all the elements represented on a difficult day executing the basic fundamentals.

Both sides should be applauded for such an entertaining display that lent itself to lower scores.

The Devils finished with 13 goals, Sebastopol 10, as both sides fielded one of their more stronger outfits of the season.

Johnson’s haul was aided by the work rate of his teammates between the arcs and surety and self confidence in the air. The 20-year-old has always shown promise – his nine goal return from his last two games has seen him rise to equal 11th on BFNL Goalkicking table with 18.

Matt Denham was tireless at the coalface enduring high midfield minutes while Shane Page was typically industrious.

The return of Billy Myers was duly noted, his presence is crucial to the Devils fortunes.

Joel Cadman showed encouraging signs in the first half after an interrupted month with illness while Darren Leonard provided some much needed aerial presence in the difficult conditions, an area the Devils have struggled with in recent weeks.

With Johnson and Riley Matricardi (two goals) proving dangerous in the Devils front half, Burra duo Jed Hill (four goals) and James Keeble (three goals) kept the visitors in it with their clean ball use and finishing.

Yet somehow the Devils were able to get the job done despite a landslide disadvantage in ruck hit-outs. Clearly undersized, the Devils will only improve structurally with the return of young talls Lucas Impey (overseas) and Brady Wright (Rebels). Core midfielder Luther Baker (hamstring) is likely to return ahead of schedule in Round 14.

The Devils under Jordan were made to fight out the win and deserved the honours. They’ve now beaten both last year’s Grand Finalists and sit a game clear in second place after a full round of matches.

Devil’s youngster Mitch Gardiner is a contender for Mark of the Year, an amazing grab in the first quarter.

What the coaches said
Jordan (Darley) – “Good response from our group after a couple of flat weeks. Pleased to play four quarters and have 22 contributors against a high quality side.”
Kiel/Columbro (Sebastopol) – “Darley started the better, we tried hard all day but couldn’t get close enough. Will learn and continue to improve.”

FINAL SCORE
Darley 13.10-88 def Sebastopol 10.11-71

Darley (Whelan’s Best) – W. Johnson, B. Bewley, M. Denham, R. Matricardi, S. Page, B. Myers, Ad. Azzopardi.
Darley (Goals) – W. Johnson 5, R. Matricardi 2, B. Myers 1, M. Gardiner, D. Bishop, D. Leonard, J. Cadman, An. Azzopardi.