It was a gutsy win by Darley in the Ballarat Football League grand final rematch against Bacchus Marsh.
The two local rivals, who have again started the season as favourites, put on a display worthy of another final.
After losing two of their key players before half-time and spending some of the third quarter a man down, the Devils trailed by 31 points in the third.
They responded, kicking five goals in a row to get the win, 11.12 (78)-11.11 (77).
Devils coach Heath Scotland said the win was character building.
“To come away with four points was fantastic for us,” he said. “Take away the third quarter, I thought we controlled the game.
“Credit to our boys, they played with no bench for the second half and there was a period in the third quarter when we had 17 players.”
Scotland said he was pleased with how his side responded when they were down on manpower. Injuries were compounded when Matthew Young was yellow carded and sent from the field.
Steven Kennedy and Dan Roy were injured in the first half and may have to spend a few weeks on the sidelines.
Kennedy, who has returned this season, will have scans and will be assessed this week.
The news looks worse for Roy and early indications are he will be out for the year with an ACL injury.
“They are quality players,” Scotland said.
“We also had a few players underdone. The players lifted themselves.
“Shane Page was fantastic all game when we needed someone to step up.
“Brian Graham was phenomenal again. I don’t think he gets enough recognition.”
He also praised the defensive work of Leigh Spiteri, Jacob Zeestraten, Jake Edwards and ruckman Dylan Reid.
Scotland said he thought that Bacchus Marsh had improved on last year, so a win was vital.
“We came in underdone and not having a full side during the pre-season,” he said.
“We’ve got guys to come back in and we’re in a good spot.”
For the Cobras, Aaron Willitts kicked three goals in his first game at the club.
Willitts was named their best alongside new skipper Scott Sherlock and ruckman Daniel Burton.
In the other local derby, Melton came away with the points against Melton South.
Playing for the first Darren Stanley Shield, the Bloods started the better of the two sides and it proved to be the difference.
The Bloods led by 26 points at quarter-time and that proved to be the final margin, with the Bloods winning 15.8 (98)-10.12 (72).
Connor Griffiths was named best on ground for the Bloods and Braedan Kight kicked three goals in the win.
Lachlan Watkins was named the Panthers’ best.
