Devils pass ‘Blood’ test

By Todd Whelan

Darley confirmed its Premiership credentials with a 21-point win over ladder leaders Melton.

Billy Myers booted five goals for the winners in breezy conditions and looked dangerous forward of centre for the most part despite the valiant efforts of the trusty Bloods defenders.

Reigning Henderson Medallist Brett Bewley had arguably more of the ball than anyone on the ground and was made to work hard extricating out of stoppage. The sheer weight of player numbers around the ball brought traffic to a virtual standstill with repeat stoppage, giving every indication we were in for a low scoring affair. Neither side gave an inch in a real arm wrestle of sorts before the Devils finished with their noses in front at the main break 30-28.

Evidently, it was the first time the Bloods had trailed at any break since their round eight previous meeting with the Devils. Could Dan Jordan’s men capitalise on the reigning

Premiers limited ‘prep’ given it was only their sixth game in 77 days and, just a second hitout against top six opposition for the period? Playing the ‘minutes’ against Aaron Tymms’ group, withstanding their intensity is easier said than done. Many have failed before – 19 of the last 21 in fact.

Similar to their round eight success at Macpherson Park, the Devils half time ‘pit stop’ provided the means for Jordan to fill up the ‘belief tank’ for his tight-knit group.

And the response was as convincing you’re likely to see against the Bloods, who looked to be labouring with no bench in the absence of Lachie Watkins (heavy knock) Ryan Carter (illness), Lachlan Walker (knee) and Brodie Sullivan (ankle) late in the game.

The Devils thrived with some much welcomed separation in the second half as Bewley, Joel Cadman, Luther Baker and Matt Denham continued to up the ante with their drive in transition.

The Devils defence led by Matthew Brett held sway at their frugal best. Duncan Cadman, Zane LeHuray, Mitch Ward, Bailey Young and Jacob Zeestraten won pivotal moments restricting the busy Bloods forwards to their lowest score of the season.

Myers potency forward for the Devils was validated with his game high five goals while Dylan Bishop and Leigh Spiteri were ‘pesty’ contributors with their forward pressure and in Spiteri’s case, valuable ‘hit up’ presentation finding space.

The Devils kicked four goals to three in the third term to extend the lead to seven points the final change before two unanswered goals in the last quarter put the game to bed.

Jordan’s army sit only percentage behind in second place with one home and away to come. Darley host Sunbury (5th) in Apple 98.5FMs Match of the Round while the Bloods meet the one-win Lakers.

What the coaches said

Jordan (Darley) – “I thought our boys stuck to the task and executed our plan for 120 minutes. Good win against a quality side but lots to improve on.”

Tymms (Melton) – “Difficult day at the office. Effort was okay given we were down on numbers on the bench, but our method lacked polish. Darley were better on the day.”

Final scores

Darley 10.10-70 def Melton 7.7-49

Darley (Whelan’s best) – B. Bewley, J. Cadman, B. Myers, M. Denham, L. Baker, B. Young, D. Cadman, Z. LeHuray, L. Impey.

Darley (Goals) – B. Myers 5, W. Johnson 2, M. Denham 1, J. Cadman, D. Matricardi.