Devils hold out Cobras

By Todd Whelan

Top three contenders Darley laboured to an all-important ninth win of the season, holding out cross town rivals Bacchus Marsh by 12 points.

Sure the Devils won three quarters, but there was enough evidence to indicate they’re somewhat shy of their potential.

Fielding arguably their best side on paper for the season, the pre-game favourites looked to be cruising at the halfway mark with a 23 point advantage that could easily have been more if not for the Cobras accuracy on goal (4.0) with limited opportunities.

Furthermore, it was a case of deja vu for young Devil Mitch Gardiner (two goals) who took another Mark of the Year contender for the second game in a row before (again) failing to convert.

Veteran swing man Darren Leonard was denied moments later by the goal umpire after his snap rebounded off the stationary official parked on the goal line and back into play. After a brief consultation, the central umpire opted with a ball-up at the top of the Devils goal square for the restart. Essentially another opportunity gone begging for the hosts ahead of the main break.

While the Cobras brought genuine workman like effort, their task (winning) was always going to be made difficult with a defensively weighted strategy, displaying clear intent for an outnumber advantage behind the ball. The six shots on goal (6.0) return up until three quarter time for the visitors matched their previous weeks numbers against the Bloods (3.3)

Nonetheless, Cobras young gun Joel Freeman impressed again with a game high five goals to keep the visitors in it while Jake Owen’s licence to do as he pleases paid off to an extent, with his primary weight of impact coming in the Cobras back half. Ruckman Luke Goetz (one goal) and wingman Alex Porter also featured prominently in a losing side.

For the winners, there were no real standouts, rather a collective that shared moments.

Shane Page, Adam Azzopardi, Joel Cadman and Brett Bewley (two goals) were the Devils most consistent contributors while Luther Baker, Billy Myers (two goals) and Brady Wright (one goal) progressed unscathed after recent injury.

On the whole, the Devils will gladly bank the points having not set the world on fire and gain learnings in victory with an eye toward the business end.

The Cobras future looks promising given their age profile and will look to retain and consolidate stocks for next year. The signatures of the Coates league talent brigade will be the primary focus, with an eye on a return to finals sooner rather than later.

What the coaches said
Jordan (Darley) – “Controlled the game early and failed to execute when Bacchus Marsh went defensive. Always great to have a win and still identify areas of improvement. Full credit to the Marsh for a four-quarter effort and intensity.”

Williams (B/Marsh) – “Really pleased with our group today, we are getting more and more competitive. Our top end footy is just as good as most teams in the comp. Glad to compete but we need to take the next step and start winning.”

Final Score
Darley 11.10-76 def B/Marsh 10.4-64

Darley (Whelan’s Best) – S. Page, Ad. Azzopardi, J. Cadman, B. Bewley, L. Spiteri.
B/Marsh (Whelan’s Best) – J. Freeman, J. Owen, L. Goetz, A. Porter, J. Huxtable.
Darley (Goals) – B. Bewley 2, W. Johnson 2, B. Myers 2, M. Gardiner 2, R. Matricardi 2, B. Wright.
B/Marsh (Goals) – J. Freeman 5, J. Kovacevic 2, E. McKercher, S. Jenks, L. Goetz