Devils off to the big dance

By Todd Whelan

Darley has booked a place into its fourth BFNL Grand Final following a comprehensive 61 point win over North Ballarat in last Saturday’s Second Semi Final at Darley Park.

Coach Dan Jordan was typically grounded in the aftermath despite the ‘demolition job’ nature of the performance.

“(We’ve) still plenty of areas to work on,” he said.

It was the Devils ninth win on the trot and Jordan’s 27th from 36 games since taking over the reigns ahead of the 2022 season. His rising 75 per cent winning strike rate is a far cry from the Devils winless 2021 season that feels a lifetime ago, given the here and now.

Saturday’s dominance was arguably the Devils most complete performance.
Across all lines the Devils relentless pressure and selfless buy-in was palpable.

Key defender Matthew Brett led his back six with aplomb restricting a virtual full strength North Ballarat to a paltry three goals and lowest score of the season.

Star mid and inspirational leader Brett Bewley (two goals) was the major ball winner (again) on the ground, ably supported by Luther Baker (one goal) and Matt Denham who attracted their own moments of deserved attention.

The Devils forwards were typically busy, pesty, threatened aerially and at ground level. Ten goal kickers made up the convincing 14 goal return.

Underrated defensive trio Zane Lehuray (one goal), Jacob Zeestraten and Duncan Cadman denied their higher profile opponents while Bailey Young and Shane Page were industrious with their decision making to switch play and stretch the Roosters press. Andy Azzopardi and Darcey Matricardi provided much of the outside run across the wings aiding and denying transition.

Mace Cousins (three goals) made a safe return from a broken leg, while a nervous fortnight awaits for Leigh Spiteri (one goal) who is in a race against time to overcome a shoulder complaint.

Darley will meet the winner of this Saturday’s Preliminary Final between North Ballarat and East Point in the BFNL Grand Final set for September 23 at City Oval.

What the coaches said
Jordan (Darley) – “(We) worked our way into the game and controlled the areas we needed to get the result. Still plenty of areas to work on in preparation for the ultimate challenge in two weeks.”
McCartney (N/Ballarat) – “Not our best day but we kept having a crack. Darley played very well and deserved the win. We will have a good week of training and planning and bounce back. There is a lot of footy to play yet.”

Final score
Darley 14.5-89 def North Ballarat 3.10-28
Darley (Whelan’s Best) – M. Brett, B. Bewley, L. Baker, B. Young, S. Page, J. Zeestraten, Z. Lehuray, An. Azzopardi.
Darley (Goals) – M. Cousins 3, B. Bewley 2, B. Myers, J. Cadman 1, D. Bishop, L. Spiteri, Z. Lehuray, R. Matricardi, Ad. Azzopardi, L. Baker.