Devils’ depth a ‘Hindful’ for Lakers

DARLEY made it 13 wins in a row following a ‘morale boosting’ success over Lake Wendouree to the tune of 123 points.

Experienced Devils trio Nick Hind, Brett Bewley and Matthew Brett led arguably the youngest group of 22 under coach Dan Jordan now in his fourth season at the helm.

 

Hind (seven goals, five behinds), Bewley (five behinds), Brett (one goal) and progressive talent Jayven Tanner (seven goals) combined for over 25 shots on goal proving too much for the winless Lakers.

Given the profile of the Devils that included five defenders aged 21 or under, Jordan mentioned in the lead up he will be more than happy just walking away with the four points and some learnings from the outing.

The 2023 Premiership coach achieved that mission and some as the Devils celebrated every moment afforded to anyone that embraced when it was their time to go. Just reward came for debutants Chaz Jones (two goals) and Ryan Densley (one goal) who took their opportunity on goal before they were swarmed by team mates for their finishing first time at the level.

 

Harley Inglis (three goals) led a small band of Devils at ground level including Grant Hatcher and Rhys Younger who foraged meaningfully at anytime the ball hit the ground.

Adam Azzopardi enjoyed some more midfield minutes in the absence of Luther Baker while Matthew Brett returned to his sole general position in defence without usual offsider Billy Myers.

Young forward Jayven Tanner answred the call of the Devils hierachy in the absence of leading goalscorer Will Johnson who would have savoured the planned break.

 

The Lakers gave the Devils something to think about in the third term and had the Devils coaching staff the busiest they’d been for the afternoon despite winning the quarter five goals to four. The visitors four goal haul was their best for the match having been held to just one goal for the remaining three terms in entirety.

Jordan will be happy just getting through unscathed, let alone the four points and percentage boost that came with it. The decision to rest a few has been seamless for the here and now. The extent of the decision is surely to play out over the coming weeks.

Darley are on the road to City Oval for a meeting with Redan while the Lakers get another chance to pinch an unlikely scalp at home against North Ballarat.

 

What the coaches said…..

Overall

Jordan (Darley); “Morale boostng win for the boys against a Lakers group that really tested us throughout the third quarter especially. We were in a position to expose our depth and reward our youth for their form at under age and reserves level , both of whom play a critical role in our clubs mission for success.”

Brown (Lakers); “(I) don’t think it was a ‘walk in the park’ like reported. I was super proud of the way our boys played the game, we hold our heads high and keep learning every week. We found out a bit more about ourselves again against a high quality side with some of the best players in the league. Sometimes you just have to sit back and say “too good!” We played some great footy in the third quarter only being outscored by one goal. Credit to DJ and Darley the way they represented themselves especially helping our reserves and we thank them.”

BACKS

Jordan (Darley); “Proud of our back six, only Matty Brett was older than 21 years old. Truly a most beneficial day from an educational perspecti While not all went to plan, the boys gained great learnings from their experience.

MIDS

Jordan (Darley); “Nick (Hind) with his seven goals (including five behinds) and Brett (Bewley) with his five behinds were a handful as they hit the scoreboard with varying degrees of accuracy. The two of them especially were super. We were avle to get a look at a number of combinations at the fee of Lucas Impey who made a welcoomed return. Darcey Matricardi was good again on a wing for us while Adam Azzopardi enjoyed more midfield absence given the withdrawal of Luther bake on Thursday night.”

FORWARDS

Jordan (Darley); “Jayven Tanner (seven goals) was the beneficiary of a weight of inside 50s and should gain some important confidence ahead of finals. Harley Inglis (three goals). debutant Chase Jones (two goals) and Grant Hatcher did some good crumbing to aid the scoreboard advantage either directly or indirectly with their assists at games end.”

Scores

Darley; 6.2-38, 12.5-77, 17.11-113, 24.20-164 defeated

Lakers; 0.4-4, 1.4-10, 5.9-39, 5.11-41

Darley (Best); N.Hind, B.Bewley, J.Tanner, D.Matricardi, M.Brett, Ad.Azzopardi.

Lakers (Best); J.Wright, W.Clark, A.Gove, K.Raven, C.James, J.Dowling.

Darley (Goals); N.Hind 7, J,Tanner 7, M.Edwards 3, H.Inglis 3, C.Jones 2, R.Densley, M.Brett.

Lakers (Goals); S.Canny 2, J.Wright, N.Shearer.