Devils end Swans drought

By Todd Whelan

Darley begun it’s 2023 campaign under second year coach Dan Jordan with a tradesman-like 40-point win on the road over Ballarat at the weekend.

The weather, reserved moreso for a wintery fixture in July, clearly played a role, impacting the free flowing game styles of these two teams. Simply executing the basic fundamentals became a tough ask as the game stagnated with repeat stoppage and high minutes with ball in dispute.

The Devils may well have been shaded at clearance by a less experienced Swans midfield but were clearly more efficient with their opportunities hitting the scoreboard.

Reigning Henderson Medallist and Devils captain Brett Bewley booted two important second half goals to aid separation on the scoreboard, while new recruit Matt Denham showed every bit of his footy smarts to out manoeuvre his opponent and goal against the breeze in the third term, seemingly draining the life out of the Swans in the process. The Devils went on to score the only four goals of the last quarter to win going away.

With an even spread of contributors in Black and White amid trying conditions the Devils would be rapt securing the valuable four Premiership points.

The win was their first over the Swans since round 18, 2019 amounting to 1330 days. While the end margin was convincing, there’s no doubting the Devils needed the run.

Dual Club Champion and premiership captain Shane Page was named the Devils best player. For the record, it was Page’s eighth appearance in the best players from his last nine season openers at the club.

As the focus shifts to round two, the Devils will be hopeful full time addition Billy Myers, key defender Matthew Brett and veteran Darren Leonard are available. All missed at the weekend.

Next Week – Bacchus Marsh v Darley – Saturday April 22; LIVE Radio – Apple 98.5FM. Stream – BFNL Match Centre.

RESULTS
Darley 1.0-6, 4.6-30, 6.8-44, 10.11-71
def
Ballarat 1.4-10, 2.7-19, 3.11-29, 3.13-31

Darley
Best – S. Page, D. Bishop, J. Ancrum, B. Young, B. Bewley, A. Tanner.
Goals – B. Bewley 2, D. Bishop, M. Ward 1, T. Van Leith, M. Denham, An. Azzopardi, R. Matricardi, D. Matricardi.