Tara Murray
Darley got its season back on track with a hard fought win against Sebastopol in the Ballarat Football League on Saturday.
After winning their first seven games, the Devils dropped their last two games with a couple of byes thrown in the middle.
On Saturday, the Devils were made to work hard for the win with just one point in it at the last break.
The Devils kicked three goals to nil in the final quarter to seal the 13.10 (88)-10.11 (71).
Devils president Mark Shelly said it was a win that they really needed.
“It was a hard fought win,” he said. “We came out and did what we wanted to do. We understand we have to keep looking forward to the next part of the season and hopefully all the ducks line up at the right time of the year.”
The Devils benefited from the return of several key players on Saturday, Billy Myers was the biggest name, while Victorian Football League-listed Bailey Young and Duncan Cadman returned from injury.
Premiership players Leigh Spiteri and Jacob Zeestraten also returned to the side, showing the Devils depth.
Shelly said they always expected a tough game and they got that.
“It was a pretty contested sort of a game,” he said.
“From a spectator sort of view, I thought we had it on our terms midway through the third quarter.
“There was always the challenge that Sebastopol might come back at us. Half way through the last quarter, I was comfortable that we would get the win.”
Will Johnson kicked five goals up forward for the Devils in a best on ground performance.
Shelly said skipper Brett Bewley again led from the front, while Riley Matricardi played well up forward and in the middle.
He said overall it was a really good rounded team effort.
The Devils win and other results means the Devils are back up to second, with a game on the chasing sides.
After spending much of the season on the road, Shelly said it was nice to be back at home in front of their members and supporters.
The Devils have another bye this week.
Shelly said the focus for the side was to try and be as fit and injury free as they can heading into the back part of the season.
Luther Baker, Lucas Impey, Trent Angwin and Jake Ancrum are among those still to return, who will be fighting for spots in the best 22.
“We certainly have plenty of depth,” Shelly said. “We want to get the team to be as fit and healthy as we can towards the back end of the season.”
In other results, Bacchus Marsh lost to Ballarart, 10.12 (72)-4.7 (31), while Melton South lost to Redan, 24.30 (174)-3.5 (23).
Melton remains a game clear on top of the ladder after beating Lake Wendouree, 13.10 (88)-10.11 (71).
