Glimpses of the real Darley are starting to show through as the reigning Ballarat Football League premiers start to hit their straps.
After an up and down start to the season, the Devils were at their best against Redan.
They kicked eight of the first nine goals to gain control of the game and held on all day.
Despite letting the foot off the pedal a little late in the game, the Devils won 18.16 (124)-10.7 (67).
Devils coach Heath Scotland said it was their best performance this season.
“We played some good football,” he said.
“We got back to playing our style of football which we haven’t done this year.”
Scotland said while Darley had a couple of wins early in the season, injuries and players coming in and out had hurt their style of play.
He said the team was slowly getting back to its system but the fast-paced game on Saturday wore them down.
Brian Graham continued his good form, kicking seven goals in a best on ground performance.
Scotland said he believes Graham is the best player in the competition and that he would be averaging nearly 40 possessions per game.
He said while everyone played their role on Saturday, Steven Kennedy was another standout, playing his best game of the season.
Scotland said one of the most pleasingly things of the first few rounds was fielding younger players.
He said five players had made their debuts this season, including Joel Cadman, Mitch Ward, Andrew Azzopardi and Jack Bewley who played in the Devils’ win against Redan.
“It’s been a positive to get games into the kids and it’s good for the future,” Scotland said.
“They’ve earned their spots.”
He said the younger players were making the more experienced players work for their spots.
Jake Edwards, who has been playing VFL in recent years, returned from injury through the reserves at the weekend and kicked seven goals.
Scotland said he expected the side to build on the weekend’s win.
“As we get blokes back, hopefully we’ll play footy like we did on Saturday,” he said.
“It’s a journey of a season and we’re not worried about where we’re sitting.
“As long as we are playing consistent footy.
“Each week we are improving and hopefully we’ll hit our straps in the back half of the season.”
In other results, Bacchus Marsh defeated East Point 18.15 (123)-16.10 (106).
Melton returned to the winners’ list with a 16.13 (109)-6.11 (47) win against Ballarat, while Melton South remains winless, after losing to North Ballarat City 16.13 (109)-10.6 (66).
