In-form Devils on the cusp

By Todd Whelan

Darley is one win away from booking its place in the 2023 BFNL Grand Final following a well-deserved 14 point win over Melton in last Saturday’s Qualifying Final at Maddingley Park.

The Brett Bewley (48 disposals, 2 goals) inspired win was the third in as many encounters against the reigning Premiers this year, as the Devils midfield went to work, aiding a landslide advantage of inside 50s (70-41) despite the aerial dominance of Bloods ruckman Ben Archard around stoppage (+88 hitouts).

The buy-in from Dan Jordan’s men was palpable as each individual seemingly had their moment ‘to go’, passing the test with flying colors.

If not for Melton’s efficiency on goal after quarter time (9.0) the margin could easily have been greater.

A high stoppage, low scoring opening half near mirrored the two sides Round 17 meet a fortnight ago. Ironically, the Bloods finished with exactly the same number of scoring shots (14) at games end – a stat Jordan’s staff would be happy to see again.

Trusty Devils midfielders Luther Baker, Matt Denham and Adam Azzopardi played significant support roles alongside their standout leader and reigning Henderson Medalist in Bewley.

Back six general Matthew Brett led his band of under rated defending talent to a superb win over the leagues number one ranked forward line, buoyed with the inclusion of Brenton Payne.

The Devils too welcomed the inclusion of Harley Inglis for his first game at the level this season and looked right at home applying his ‘once familiar’ small forward role. He, Dylan Bishop and Leigh Spiteri huntered ‘the spill’ at ground level while Billy Myers, Darren Leonard, Will Johnson and Joel Cadman provided lasting aerial presence.

Devils running defender Blake Colley spent most of the second half on the bench nursing a hamstring complaint placing him in doubt for Saturday’s Semi-Final against North Ballarat.

While Mace Cousins (broken leg) is unlikely to return this week, focus will shift to the availability of rookie ruckman Lucas Impey (Western Jets).

The 200cm find is crucial for the structural makeup of the Devils.
Impey’s selection would essentially spell the end for the majority of ruck duties currently assigned to band-aid quartet Billy Myers, Joel Cadman, Will Johnson and Darren Leonard.

Semi final opponents North Ballarat have big man Callum McCullum, one of the premier rucks in the BFNL, adding further weight to the importance of Impey.

Melton on the other hand travel to Ballarat for a sudden death Elimination Final against East Point. The winner will face the loser of Darley and North Ballarat in a Preliminary Final on Saturday week (September 16).

What the coaches said
Jordan (Darley) – “Happy with our intensity and effort over four quarters despite losing a few to injury. Good finals win but still plenty to work on.”
Tymms (Melton) – “(Our) decision making and execution was very poor. Darley were too good – thought their mids controlled the game.”

Final scores
Darley 13.10-88 def Melton 12.2-74
Darley (Whelan’s Best) – B. Bewley, L. Baker, Ad. Azzopardi, M. Denham, B. Myers, B. Young, Z. Lehuray, M. Brett.
Darley (Goals) – B. Myers 3, B. Bewley 2, D. Leonard 2, W. Johnson 2, H. Inglis, R. Matricardi, D. Bishop, J. Cadman.