Devils suffer heavy loss on Mars

By Todd Whelan

Undermanned Darley were no match for an impressive North Ballarat, going down by 57 points at Mars Stadium.

It was the Devils’ first loss of the season following a 7-0 run on the road.

While some pundits had the Devils favoured to make it eight wins on the bounce, the writing for some was on the wall, suggesting Dan Jordan’s men were heading toward a first loss of the season.

Prized recruit Billy Myers (ankle), Mace Cousins (Geelong VFL), Bailey Young (shoulder), Luther Baker (hamstring) and Jake Ancrum (overseas) all missed, shedding light on the Devils’ vulnerabilities without their top end.

Brett Bewley and Shane Page flew the flag for the jumper despite the loss, earning praise from Jordan in the aftermath.

While it was a day to forget for the Black and White, the Devils maintain top spot on the BFNL ladder on percentage at the halfway mark with a bookend of home games scheduled upon the completion of the club’s new facility.

The Devils managed just 3.10 for the match, mirroring the 13 shots on goal recorded in last year’s 78-point loss at the same venue. The merit of the Roosters’ win gives every indication Brendan McCartney’s group will be there at the business end, extending their impressive 15-3 win loss record at home under the astute mentor. Roosters forward and current BFNL leading goalkicker Jamie Quick (Geelong VFL listed) was the star of the show finishing with seven goals.

For the Devils, the notable absence of key personnel paved the way for Under 17 product Chase Sanders to make his debut.

The unlikelihood of reinforcements for the Devils ahead of Saturday’s highly anticipated return to Darley Park against seventh placed Redan gives every indication Jordan’s ladder leaders are every bit up to their eyeballs, confronted with another danger game.

The jury rests.

What the coaches said:
Jordan (Darley); “(We were) outplayed around the contest and how to enter inside 50 in the windy conditions. Pleasing to come away fully aware we’ve plenty to work on. Full credit to North Ballarat and the pressure they applied in a real four quarter effort.”
McCartney (N/Ballarat); “We did a good job with the difficult parts of the game today. Our contest, pressure and defending was very good. We took our chances when the game opened up. (In fairness) Darley were undermanned pre and during the game. They are a very good club.”

*Darley meets Redan in Apple 98.5FM’s Match of the Round LIVE from 2pm. Audio and vision available for streaming via the BFNL Match Centre website.

Darley 3.10-28 lost to North Ballarat 12.13-85.

• Darley (Best); B.Bewley, S.Page, B.Sullivan, M.Brett.
• Darley (Goals); J. Cadman, D. Matricardi, C. Sanders.