Devils no match for Bloods

DARLEY suffered a humiliating loss at the hands of Melton, raising further doubts on a shaky title defence.

Is it form, or simply personnel? When you lose top ten best fairest talent Shane Page (retired), Mace Cousins (injured), Bailey Young, premiership ruckman Lucas Impey (Western Jets), stopper Jacob Zeestraten (retired), the wisdom and experience of Darren Leonard (retired), around a group managing good times and bad – plus a handful of depth players to pressure selection all of a sudden – a title defence, on the back of a tough draw, will ask questions of a Devils group capable of reclaiming their mantle as the competition yardstick.

For the here and now, they’re some way off any top two discussions.

X-factor Bloods forward and captain Braedyn Kight starred with seven goals, four of those coming in the first quarter, as the visitors stunned the reigning premiers with six unanswered goals.

The Bloods were airborne early, their work rate, pressure and disposal efficiency a feature, panels ahead of the Devils, who suffered their biggest loss under Dan Jordan since Round 11, 2022 (69 points v North Ballarat).

The well-organised Bloods defence had midfield numbers on the back of their relentless work rate and will to assist teammates, creating the outnumber and overlap in transition.

Poor Devils entries aided the Bloods intercept and turnover cause on a disappointing day for the black and white, who were held goalless in three quarters in front of a big crowd.

All of the Devils’ five goals came in the second term, reducing the margin to 23 points at the main break.

But either side of the Devils ‘push’ was an old school thrashing, as the Bloods piled on 13.8 to 0.6 – and all on Darley Park, ending an 11-game winning streak for Jordan’s men dating back to Round 10, 2023 (v Redan).

The result told us more of the gulf between the two sides after seven rounds.

The Bloods (W5L1) are on track and play a solid, trusting brand of footy giving every indication they’re a team on a mission – the buy-in is palpable.

Darley (W4L3) become the unofficial fifth seed in the title race behind Sunbury, Melton, East Point and North Ballarat.

Leaving too much for too few is not sustainable, even with the best player in the competition. While Brett Bewley’s numbers won’t surprise, he was denied his usual time and space.

Also, the once tedious conversation regarding Darley’s slim title chances without a bonafide ruckman were confirmed.

All honours with Melton; special mentions to a host of impactful Bloods in no particular order: Braedyn Kight, Jono O’Brien, Riley Walker, Adrian Monitto, Jordy Cotter, Jaycob Hickey and Lachlan Walker.

The Bloods host the Lakers in round eight, while the Devils endeavour to regroup quickly ahead of a road trip to Sebastopol.

COACHES VERDICT

Jordan (Darley): “Disappointing day for us. We were outplayed in all facets of the game. Full credit to Melton; they’re a very good side. Clearly, we’ve a lot of work to do.”

Scoble (Melton): “Really pleased with a four-quarter performance based on effort against absolute quality. We learned from last week’s performance and were able to execute our attack phase more efficiently. Darley are such a strong contest team, so to compete in that area was important for us to get territory and try to play a forward half game. Darley is so well-coached and disciplined. Today gave us some confidence in what we are trying to build.”

BACKS

Jordan (Darley): “Tough day for our back six. They weren’t helped by the ease of entries the Bloods were able to create up the field. They executed well inside 50 and converted their chances in front of goal. The Kight boys just don’t miss and make you pay. Zane LeHuray continued his run of good form which is pleasing for him and our group moving forward.”

MIDS

Jordan (Darley): “Ragged effort. We enjoyed some moments through the midfield but the boys struggled to get any time or space. Credit to the accountability of the Bloods. It wasn’t from a lack of our boys trying – Adam Azzopardi was the pick of our mids.”

FORWARDS

Jordan (Darley): “Poor. We didn’t have our best day in the front half. Melton were very organised and benefitted from our (more often) poor entries.”

Final Scores

Darley 0.1-1, 5.2-32, 5.4-34, 5.6-36 lost to

Melton 6.1-37, 9.1-55, 13.4-82, 16.8-104

Darley (Goals): B.Wright, B.Myers, Ad.Azzopardi, J.Ancrum, J.Bewley.

Melton (Goals): B.Kight 7, J.Kight 3, K.Borg 2, R.Carter 2, C.Farrugia, J.Walker.

Darley (Whelan’s Best): Ad.Azzopardi, L.Baker, B.Bewley, B.Myers, Z.Lehuray.

Melton (Whelan’s Best): B.Kight, J.O’Brien, R.Walker, J.Cotter, A.Monitto, L.Walker.