Devils overrun by hungry Lions

TODD WHELAN

GIANTKILLERS Sunbury remain the only unbeaten team atop of the BFNL ladder after a thrilling come from behind win over Darley at the Clarke Oval.

This game was seeming put to bed after three quarters when the Devils led by 21 points, but someone forgot to tell the Lions to turn off the bedside lamp.Lions newcomers Brock Landt, Jordan Tentonello, Ben Eales, and promoted Jacob Bygate highlighted the club’s enviable depth under Matty White, to feature among the best players behind VFL-listed defender Jack Newitt, and progressive midfielder Jake Egan.

Ironically, the sentiment recognising the defensive contributions was endorsed by Devils Coach Dan Jordan in the aftermath as Zane Lehuray (best), Jyson Fawcett, Matthew Brett and Jake Ancrum were lauded for their efforts in a losing side, led by Luther Baker who was able to get off the hook as the focus of attention leant toward the competition’s best player, Brett Bewley.

While the winners were held to their lowest score of the season (previous 99 v Redan RD1), it was no surprise to see Mitch McLean (three goals) and Jake Sutton (two goals) combine for half of the Lions’ majors.

Heading in, they were responsible for 44 per cent of all Sunbury goals in 2024.

Goals came at a premium – only Joel Cadman (two goals) could register multiple goals for the visitors, who wrestled their way to nine goals, with eight of those coming in the first three quarters.

The Devils have very little time to lick their wounds ahead of facing Melton (BFNL’s Match of the Round) while Sunbury’s unbeaten run looks likely to extend to seven on the road against the winless Lakers.

HOW THE COACHES RATED THEIR PERFORMANCE

White (Sunbury): “(It) was a great win against a class outfit. They had us pinned for three quarters before we were able to break the shackles in the last to be able to run away with it.”

Jordan (Darley): “I thought we controlled the game for the most part in the first three quarters. Credit to Sunbury who came back at us and capitilised on a few key moments. Plenty to take away from the game against a quality side.”

BACKS

Jordan (Darley): Very solid effort, our best line for the day. Zane Lehuray kept Jake Sutton (two goals) relatively quiet while Jake Ancrum, Matthew Brett and Jyson Fawcett made significant contributions.

MIDS

Jordan (Darley): Good for three quarters. Unfortunately Matty Denham got hurt and we missed his usual output in the last quarter. They put plenty of attention into Brett Bewley that allowed Luther Baker to have his own impact – enough to be arguably our best player.

FORWARDS

Jordan (Darley): Looked dangerous for the most part but we missed some easy set shots that kept Sunbury within reach. On the whole, an ‘almost’ day from our front half. Plenty more to work on with our craft in this area.

Final Scores:

Darley 2.4-16, 4.5-29, 8.7-55, 9.8-62 lost to

Sunbury 0.0-0, 3.3-21, 5.4-34, 10.10-70

Darley (Goals): J.Cadman 2, R.Matricardi, D.Matricardi, L.Baker, M.Ward, Ad.Azzopardi, H.Inglis.

Sunbury (Goals): M.McLean 3, J.Sutton 2, L.Urbon 2, T.Werner, B.Landt, F.Ampulski.

Darley (Best): Z.LeHuray, L.Baker, J.Fawcett, M.Brett, J.Ancrum, J.Cadman.

Sunbury (Best): J.Newitt, B.Landt, J.Bygate, J.Tentonello, B.Eales, J.Egan.