Six straight on the road

By Todd Whelan

Darley Football

A Bewley-less Darley made it a sixth straight win on the road last Saturday to set up a mouthwatering match up against fellow undefeated and reigning Premiers Melton at MacPhersons Park this coming weekend.

Opportune forward Riley Macardi booted four goals for the winners in his best game for his new club behind a best on ground performance from midfielder Luther Baker, defender Zane LeHuray and former Williamstown VFL utility Billy Myers. Under 19 talent Lachie Ingham debuted for the Devils and performed soundly, capping his memorable day with a goal.

Unfortunately, a sickening neck injury sustained by promoted Lakers Under 19 talent Kyle Anderson took the gloss off an otherwise dominant Devils win. Having flown high for a defensive spoil in the middle of the ground Anderson fell dangerously causing a nervous stay of proceedings in the third term. While clearly disturbed by the nature of the fall, Lakers coach Jack Fitzpatrick paid credit to his boys to fight out the game, with the outcome usurped by the primary welfare concerns of the teenager. According to Fitzpatrick, scans on the weekend were positive, clearing Anderson of any permanent damage who was later granted permission to leave hospital.

In more positive news for the one win Lakers, Joel O’Connell and Angus Bade continued with their solid seasons alongside Cody Helyar, Rory O’Keefe and big man Shane Finlayson.

** Darley’s Match of the Round meeting against Melton this Saturday can be heard LIVE on Apple 98.5FM from 2pm – don’t miss any of the action.

COACHES VERDICT
Fitzpatrick (Lakers) – “Today really puts things into perspective. I’ve never seen anything that bad on a footy field before – we just hope ‘Ando’ (Kyle Anderson) is okay. We need to wrap our arms around some pretty shaken up players. A big thanks to Darley and the help provided by their trainers.”
Jordan (Darley) – “Good to have another win on the road. Lakers cracked in and made us earn it. Good to identify a few areas we can work on moving forward. Our thoughts go out to Kyle Anderson and the Lakers following his injury.”

FINAL SCORE
Darley 17.13-115 def Lake Wendouree 6.9-45
Darley (Best) – L. Baker, R. Matricardi, Z. Lehuray, B. Myers, W. Johnson, S. Page
Darley (Goals) – R. Matricardi 4, W. Johnson 3, D. Leonard 2, J. Cadman, M. Denham 1, L. Baker, B. Young, An. Azzopardi, B. Myers, L. Ingham.