Devils make dream start

REIGNING Premiers Darley thrashed a disappointing East Point by a whopping 96 points to kickstart their title defence in fine style, as BFNL local footy returned with a bang last Saturday.

The Brett Bewley (three goals) led Devils were at their ruthless best, putting this suggested ‘danger game’ to bed by half-time with 11 unanswered goals to stun the visitors.

Darley Park has proven the Kangas’ nemesis in more recent times as they extended their run of losses at the venue beyond a tenth season.

The Devils 70-point lead at the main break was something to behold, with winners on every line. Will Johnson booted four goals for the winners to be the leading goalscorer for the game, while midfielders Bewley and Andy Azzopardi finished with three goals apiece, alongside season find Brady Wright (three goals).

While the Kangas provided some greater resistance in the second half, despite being outscored 10.5 to 6.3, the day simply belonged to the Devils on the back of their unfurling of the 2023 BFNL Premiership flag.

It’s no secret the Devils lost a few key players in the off-season but the upskilling to the eye and general rise in maturity and fitness levels gives every indication for the here and now at least, they will be just fine.

How they back up against North Ballarat at Mars Stadium on Saturday night in the Grand Final replay makes for compelling viewing.

While the Devils have won their last 11 games on the trot, they boast an underwhelming 0-2 record at the ground under Dan Jordan.

Seventeen-year-old Devils debutant Javian Tanner (one goal) toiled manfully in his first hit-out at the level, providing a third aerial target forward alongside Johnson and Wright.

How the Devils coach rated their performance

Defence – Jordan (Darley): “Miserly performance, competed well. Job was made easier from our midfield pressure which was a focus of ours heading in. Zane LeHuray and Duncan Cadman especially, were very good.”

Mids – Jordan (Darley): “When the game was on the line our boys were diligent, composed and applied high pressure. Brett Bewley, Luther Baker, Adam Azzopardi all ticks. Billy Myers’ physicality in the ruck was super for us.”

Forwards – Jordan (Darley): Solid contribution particularly early – we enjoyed some good isolation. Will Johnson, Brady Wright and 17-year-old debutant J Tanner provided strong aerial presence and were threatening while at ground level our smalls’ pressure helped lock the ball in, eventuating in scores.”

Overall (where game was won) – “We brought the pressure early and were able to capitalise in front of goal to apply scoreboard pressure.”

Final scores: Darley 7.4-46, 11.9-75, 17.11-113, 21.14-140 def East Point 0.4-4, 0.5-5, 4.6-30, 6.8-44

Darley (Best): Ad.Azzopardi, Z.LeHuray, And.Azzopardi, B.Wright, B.Bewley, W.Johnson.

Darley (Goals): W.Johnson 4, B.Bewley 3, B.Wright 3, And.Azzopardi 3, Ad.Azzopardi 2, J.Tanner, J.Cadman, D.Bishop 1.

East Point (Best): T.Conlan, J.Jeffrey, A.Molan, L.Canny, B.McDougall, J.Van Meel.

East Point (Goals): B.McDougall 3, J.Jeffrey 2, T.Conlan.