By Todd Whelan <\/u><\/p>\n
Darley confirmed its Premiership credentials with a 21-point win over ladder leaders Melton.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s men capitalise on the reigning<\/p>\n
Premiers limited \u2018prep\u2019 given it was only their sixth game in 77 days and, just a second hitout against top six opposition for the period? Playing the \u2018minutes\u2019 against Aaron Tymms\u2019 group, withstanding their intensity is easier said than done. Many have failed before – 19 of the last 21 in fact.<\/p>\n
Similar to their round eight success at Macpherson Park, the Devils half time \u2018pit stop\u2019 provided the means for Jordan to fill up the \u2018belief tank\u2019 for his tight-knit group.<\/p>\n
And the response was as convincing you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Myers potency forward for the Devils was validated with his game high five goals while Dylan Bishop and Leigh Spiteri were \u2018pesty\u2019 contributors with their forward pressure and in Spiteri\u2019s case, valuable \u2018hit up\u2019 presentation finding space.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Jordan\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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