Tara Murray
Darley didn’t go to Clarke Oval with many expectations on Saturday, but came away with a big win against the Sunbury Lions in the Ballarat Football League.
The Devils entered the match undefeated, but the Lions have shown some really good signs in the first part of the season so it was expected to be a tough contest.
The Devils were able to take control of the game in the middle part as the Lions failed to make the most of their opportunities.
With the game in their favour, the Devils finished off strong with six goals to two in the final term to seal an 17.8 (110)-7.12 (54) win.
Devils president Mark Shelly said the leaders really led the way in a good team performance.
“It was a really good win,” he said. “We went there without much real expectations.
“We were able to take our chances better than what they did.
“Even though Sunbury scored nine points in a row at one stage, at half time there was a real sense that we had got the game on our terms.”
Shelly said it was pleasing to be able to finish the game off well and really stamp their authority.
Brett Bewley kicked six goals for the Devils, with Billy Myers getting five of his own.
Shelly said the two of them just made their whole team better.
“You have the calibre of Brett and Billy and I’ve said this before, players walk taller around those types of players,” he said.
“Brett and his work rate to go forward, is a credit to him. I would hate to see his stats if he had one of those data trackers on.
“His work rate is phenomenal and his experience brings others into the game. Billy played a pretty significant role as well.”
Shelly said the two Cadman brothers Joel and Duncan Cadman had good games, while Jake Ancrum had the job on Jake Sutton and did a really good job.
Shelly said the most pleasing thing was they were only going to get better.
“I would still like to think that we’re still improving,” he said. “The really pleasing aspect for us, the young guys in the team are starting to see the fruits of the time we have put into those players.
“They’ve played a number of games now and are regulars in the senior team and I think it’s a positive for us, we still had a number of players that didn’t play for us yesterday [Saturday].”
The Devils are one of two undefeated teams after five rounds, with last year’s premiers Melton sitting atop the ladder.
Shelly said they were looking forward to the challenge of playing the Bloods in a few weeks time.
“We’re taking it blocks at a time,” he said. “We have another three games before the Kings Birthday weekend.
“We have two relatively lesser games against Melton South and Lake Wendouree and then the really big challenge is for us in three weeks’ time against Melton.
“It’ll be a good indication of where we are at.”
In other results, Melton beat Redan, 20.12 (132)-9.11 (65).
Melton South had another tough day, losing to Lake Wendouree, 24.18 (162)-8.12 (60).
