Devils kick straight into gear as premiership defence begins

THERE were plenty of fresh faces in the line-up and a new coach, but it was the same old slick and steadfast Darley, which opened its latest BFLW senior premiership defence with a big win at Alfredton Recreation Reserve last Saturday.

Drawn the task of being the first team to take on competition newcomers Ballarat, the Devils withstood a spirited early challenge from the Swans, who led by two points at quarter-time, before hitting top gear and taking control of the match with a 41-0 second term.

The Swans were able to match it with the Devils for large parts of the second half, but it was the latter’s potency in attack that proved decisive.

While the Swans struggled up forward and did not add to their half-time scoreline, the Devils added five majors to round out a 11.7 (73) to 1.3 (9) victory.

Leivi Lane inflicted the most damage on the scoreboard with four goals, while goal-kicking machine Kim Bessell and best on ground candidate Ruby Thomas each chimed in with two, with Bessell spending chunks of the game in both defence and attack.

It was the start Danyel Waters was looking for, having taken of the coaching reins of a team chasing an historic fourth consecutive senior premiership.

Despite a pre-season she hailed as positive and very productive, Waters – whose extensive coaching resume includes having been part of AFLW, Victorian Football League Women’s and Talent League programs – admitted the unknown nature of their opponents had contributed to a few early nerves.

 

“We didn’t really know what to expect with Ballarat knowing they were a new side, but we did know they were young and fast and we didn’t want to underestimate them,” she said.

“They rattled us a bit in that first quarter.

“But we got back to playing our game and got back on track.”

The changing dynamics within her own side is something Waters still views as a work in progress.

“We are quite a new side in terms of having that (premiership) history of the last three years,” she said.

“Half of our players are either new to the side or have been coming up through the Darley 19s.

“Getting to know each other and develop our chemistry with another is really important.

“It just took that first quarter and a bit of a readjustment to get it back.”

Of those missing from last year’s line-up, back-to-back league medallist Lilli Condon has gone overseas, four have moved interstate and two others have retired.

“Mind you they (the retirees) did come out and play today (Saturday) as we were a little bit short of numbers with round one,” she said.

“We didn’t lose anyone to other clubs; they just moved on, having babies and that sort of thing.

“It’s women’s football, we are going to see that.

“But it’s a really good opportunity for a fresh start, a new coach, new game plan.

“It seems to be working so far.”

In a team filled with strong contributors, Charlotte Hill stood out on a wing following an injury interrupted 2025 season.

“Actually seeing her out there at full flight was something special,” Waters said.

 

“We also had some standouts in Ruby Thomas in the midfield, who we’ve picked up from Bacchus Marsh and is an incredible asset.

“Her game sense and communication are absolutely incredible.”

Lane with four goals was also impressive.

In a touching show of respect, players from Darley and East Point, which defeated Bacchus Marsh by nine points in the preceding game, formed a guard of honour for the Swans as they ran onto the ground for the first time.

“We’re rapt we have another team to play; it’s only going to benefit us and the strength of the competition,” Waters said.

“I think it was really important to show the respect to their inaugural side, also knowing they would have felt pretty anxious being a young side and facing the premiers.

“It was a small gesture, but something that would have helped them feel more at ease.”

In the opening game, Redan defeated Carisbrook by 147 points, with last season’s leading goalkicker Jess Bokma starting the season in style with eight goals and Ellen Wertz booting six.

On her own transition to the Darley Football Netball Club, Waters said she could not have been made to feel more welcome.

“They have wrapped both arms around me,” she said.

“The girls have been exceptional.

“It’s been a big change; I have come I with pretty high standards and expectations and to their credit they have risen to them.

“This is really exciting. It’s only round one, but it’s only going to get better from here.”

Following a league-wide bye for Easter and another in round two, the Devils will not play their next game against East Point until 19 April.