Darley isn’t resting on its laurels as it tries to maintain top dog status in the Ballarat Football League.
After the club claimed both the senior and reserves premierships last year, Devils coach Heath Scotland said everyone was just as determined heading into season 2018.
“It’s been a relatively long pre-season, but it seems like it has gone quick,” he said. “We’re looking forward to the season getting under way.
“We don’t want to focus on 2017 – that page has been turned. We want to make sure we’re ready to go.
“It’s a different feeling this year – we’re the hunted.”
The Devils were one of the early movers in the recruitment department over summer, signing Henderson medallists Steven Kennedy and Jake Edwards, along with forward Dylan Reid.
Kennedy and Edwards are returning to the club after stints elsewhere.
Ryan Closter has put pen to paper in recent weeks, giving the Devils another forward option.
The Devils have lost Kyle Docherty and Chris Graham, who have both moved on to other clubs.
“We’ve lost two quality guys and we’ve got some quality guys in as well,” Scotland said.
“We’ve lost some depth … guys that didn’t play seniors or only one or two games. They’ve moved on or retired.”
One positive sign for the Devils in the off season has been the development of their younger players.
Scotland said they had six 16-year-olds play senior football in their practice matches against Caroline Springs.
He said he was unsure whether they would play in the senior team come the season proper but he was thrilled with the likes of James Pope, Mitch Ward and Thomas Presnell, along with the four players in the Western Jets
squad.
“There’s a bit of hope for the future,” he said. “We’re making sure some kids are pushing for selection. Last year, we didn’t push too many through.
“We’ll see a different mix this year.”
Scotland said Jessee Pattison, who has come from the Western Region Football League, is a young player who could look at holding down a spot.
The Devils’ start to the season will big – they will be facing cross-town rival Bacchus Marsh.
The seniors and reserves games will be grand final rematches.
Scotland said that while the Devils were dealing with a few injuries, he expected to field a near full-strength line-up come round one.
“It’ll be a good test. My job will be selecting a side of 22 players from the 28 to 29 guys who can play senior football.”
