Harper Sercombe
An incredible season for Darley star player Kim Bessell continues as she notched up 100 goals to conclude the Ballarat Football League home and away season.
Bessell needed five goals to reach triple figures and was able to do so in the second quarter as she finished the day with 10. Amazingly her fourth goal of the day, or 99th for the season, was also her 200th career goal which added to the day’s celebrations.
Darley dominated Carisbrook on Sunday winning 21.10 (136)-0.0 (0) to give the Devils a top two spot for the finals series.
Bessell said the day was epic and one of the most special things that she has been a part of.
“The support I’ve had from the club is amazing, it’s something that I’ll never forget,” she said. “I’ve got an incredible team. So the delivery I get is very, very special.”
Devils president Mark Shelly said Bessell’s 105 goals came in 15 games, whilst also spending parts of the year as a defender was a phenomenal achievement.
“Unbelievable,” he said.
“From our juniors’ perspective, I thought it was absolutely sensational, because a lot of younger kids, younger females would probably aspire to be the next female to kick 100 goals in country football.”
Lilli Condon and Madison Lister were named the best for the Devils in the win.
However, with finals beginning on Sunday both Bessell and Shelly have eyes on silverware.
“[I’m] definitely looking forward to the finals series,” Bessell said. “We’ve got something to prove this year and we want to go one better than last year. That’s for sure.”
With Darley and Redan the top two sides, after only losing a game each for the year. It seems likely the two will meet deep into the finals after playing each other in last year’s grand final too.
“The coaches and support staff around the women have been fantastic this year,” Shelly said.
“We’d like to think that we’re clearly a chance of going all the way.
“Redan has been the benchmark for women’s footy for a period of time now, but we think our best is well and truly up with them.”
Darley will play Redan in a qualifying final on Sunday where the winner will head straight into a preliminary final.
Bacchus Marsh will play East Point in an elimination final, after losing to Lake Wendouree in the final round of the season.
