Darley is determined to make the most of the opportunity to play a marquee match when its takes on local rival Bacchus Marsh in this Friday’s Anzac Day Ballarat Football League match.
While the two clubs usually play on Anzac Day weekend, they rarely get the chance to play on the day itself and Darley coach Jarrod Edwards said his side was looking forward to the match.
“You look at the day and the experience …not everyone gets to play in them,” Edwards said.
“It’s a big day and a big opportunity to bounce back from a round one loss.
“Taking on the Marsh makes it a bigger game … the big rivalry’s always built up pretty heavily around town.”
Both clubs have been planning for the day since the fixture came out in December, with Darley arranging a 30-minute ceremony prior to the main match.
“Hopefully, we can make a big day of it,” Edwards said.
“They did a great job last year and it was a really successful day so we’re just trying to improve on that.
“It’s going to be a massive day not only for the side but the whole club, so hopefully we can make a good day of it and establish a tradition.” Edwards said he hoped his side would be good enough to bounce back and start building momentum in a very tight league.
“We want to push up, make finals and then anything can happen from there,” he said.
“This year the league has tightened up quite a bit.
“In the last couple of years, it’s been the top two or three sides but this year I think any side that makes the top six could take it out, which is exciting.”
Anzac Day at Darley kicks off at 10.50am with the under-18s, followed by the reserves at 12.4.
