Darley focused on fun on Saturday – and it paid off in the form of a win against Melton South in the Ballarat Football League.
After losing their past two matches, the Devils had dropped back in the pack.
While they were expected to beat Melton South, it was the way they went about it that pleased Devils coach Heath Scotland the most.
“No disrespect to Melton South – we expected to win this game,” he said. “It was nice to get back on the winners’ list and play some decent football.
“We hit our targets throughout the game. To be able to achieve those areas and collect back some of that percentage we had dropped was good.”
Scotland said playing for each other was important – and that they did that in the second half.
“Individuals who had been down stepped up,” he said.
“A major focus was on the game style – playing for your mates and enjoying the day and enjoying football.
“In the second half, everyone really played for each other.”
PHOTO GALLERY: Darley vs Melton South
Brian Graham kicked four goals for the Devils and set up at least six others.
Overall, they had 10 goal kickers, which Scotland said was testament to the side’s balance.
He said youngsters Bryce Stephenson and Blake Colley had good games, along with leaders Shane Page and Darren Leonard.
Among those pulling on the jumper on Saturday was Scotland – for his first senior game of the season, following injury.
He said playing his first game so late in the season was not ideal.
“It’s been four or five months since surgery and I’ve played it safe and got the body right,” he said.
“I have to get fit and build for finals. I’m feeling all of 39 today, though.”
The win has the Devils in the middle of a jammed-packed top six.
The top five teams are separated only by percentage, with sixth-placed Melton a further game behind.
The Devils are sitting in second.
This week they will face the Sunbury Lions, one of those teams equal on points with them.
Scotland knows it will be an important match, as will every other match in the run home.
East Point is the only other team in the top six that the Devils will face in the run home.
“This is an eight-point game,” said Scotland of the Sunbury Lions match.
“A loss puts you a game back and at the bottom end of the top six.
“Playing at Clarke Oval is tough … we’ve failed a few tests.
“We need to rise to the challenge. The jury is out at the moment.”
Melton was the other big winner on Saturday, beating East Point in Ballarat.
After a slow start, the Bloods trailed by 30 points at quarter-time.
From there, the Bloods found form, going on to secure a 16.14 (110)-12.11 (83) win.
Liam Carter was named the Bloods’ best.
Bacchus Marsh had the bye.
