By Liam Twomey
Darley fired a warning shot over premiership bows on Saturday, dumping Sunbury from the Ballarat Football League finals in wet and windy conditions.
The Devils made all the right moves from the opening siren, booting five goals to none in the first term.
Goals continued at the resumption of play, with the likes of Dane Grenfell, Rhys Ellis and Harley Inglis all hitting the Devils’ scoreboard.
The Lions did their best to slow the onslaught but were unable to cut the margin.
Sunbury kicked just one goal in each half, as the lead ballooned to 62 points.
Darley football manager Phil Campbell was impressed with his side’s performance, and also paid credit to the hard-working Lions.
“It was a good game and it was really tight,” he said. “Sunbury has a really good young side, and it wasn’t until the third quarter, when we were able to kick three quick goals, that we really got on top of them.”
Campbell said players need to focus now on what’s ahead.
“We have our work cut out for us going forward, but it is always really good to put out a performance like that,” he said.
On a day when only two goals were conceded, it’s no surprise Darley defender Jake Edwards found himself best player on the ground.
Playing the vital centre half-back position, Edwards was outstanding throughout the afternoon, and allowed his side to maintain its high level of pressure.
“Jake really was fantastic,” Campbell said.
“He missed the week before, but he was able to come back in the side and slot straight in. He played really well and it was great to have him back.”
Also among the best for the Devils were Steven Kennedy and Shane Page.
For Sunbury, Mathew Medcraft and Jack Landt shared the goals, while Tanner Bell was impressive.
Darley now progresses to the semi-final to take on Redan.
