Devils pinch third win

By Todd Whelan

The Devils booted six unanswered goals midway through the second half to reel in a 20 point Sunbury Lions lead and hang on to win a thriller. The result was considered an eight point game for these two sides, eyeing off a slim chance of creeping into the final six at the business end. While Darley pinch their third win under new Coach Dan Jordan, it’s back to the drawing board for Travis Hodgson’s Sunbury who are languishing at 0-4 at the bottom of the table.

Devils midfielder Brett Bewley was in a class of his own and undeniably the most influential player on the ground. Chatting to Hodgson in the aftermath, he went on the record saying “Bewley was the difference.” Sunbury had every reason to be confident heading in, buoyed by the inclusions of three VFL affiliated players in Cooper Anderson (Essendon), Jake Sutton (Essendon) and Mitch Lewis (Port Melbourne). Anderson (2 goals) threatened to take the game away from Darley with his vertical leap forward but could only cling to a handful of marks from double figure attempts. Sutton was the most dangerous forward on the ground but his ‘high’ natured accumulation saw him too far from goal to impact the scoreboard. Lewis was handy on a wing first up off a four week hamstring.

For the winners Shane Page was terrific and youngsters Mitch Ward and Ayden Tanner important. Nick Rodda’s task was made difficult with errant supply for the most part before finishing with two goals including five shots ‘on’ in the last quarter. Dylan Landt (Essendon VFL affiliate) had his first hit out in Darley colours against his old club and was instrumental with 30 odd disposals, 95% of them by foot.

There’s plenty to like about band-aid swingman Trent Angwin who led an inexperienced Devils defence with some telling grabs and important metres gained out of defence with his raking left foot – often from the last line to centre wing on a handful of occasions. Andy Azzopardi had his moments in the game and looks a better player in his third season at the level. Jake Ancrum is enjoying the ‘role’ asked of him in varying positions under his new coach. Luther Baker was good tempering the influence of Daniel Toman who missed the Lions ‘best players’ for the first time in 2022.

On the whole, a morale boosting win for the Devils who were without a win at home from their last seven attempts dating back to August 2019. Redan await the improving Devils in Ballarat on Saturday in another test of the clubs sparked resilience. Backing up solid performances week in, week out will remain the Devils greatest challenge given the age profile of the group.

To read the full story – Simply click on the following link

https://issuu.com/themooraboolnews/docs/mn_2022-05-17/22

in the 17 May 2022 edition
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pick up a paper around your town.