By Tara Murray
Darley’s rise up the ladder continues, with the Devils second after a big win against the Sunbury Lions in the Ballarat Football League.
After losing one match to the Lions this year, the Devils were keen to make sure it didn’t happen a second time.
Despite some poor kicking, the Devils had no troubles in the 13.18 (96)-7.10 (52) win.
Devils coach Heath Scotland said with Sunbury in a similar position, both sides had a lot to play for.
“We kicked quite poorly, but we had a lot of opportunities offensively,” he said.
“Sunbury are a good side and have everything to play for in terms of their season.
“Credit to our boys, we were quite strong defensively and offensively we were really able to penetrate.
“If we straighten up those conversions, we could have blown them away.”
One of the keys for the Devils was their pressure when they didn’t have the ball which set up a lot of forays forward.
After being up and down early in the season, they have become more consistent in recent weeks.
Scotland said the biggest change was the development of the middle-tier players.
He said they were no longer just relying on the stars to perform.
“Individually, everyone is buying in and playing their role. Whether they’re a 17-year-old like Andrew Azzopardi or Jai Dodemaide, or a 38-year-old coach.
“Players who have got more responsibility and have nearly a whole season under their belt.
“Players who may have been a bit unsure are now settled. I use the example Corey Cullen who hasn’t played a lot of senior footy over the last two years.
“He’s become a real dependable, reliable backman for us. We have a number of players at the moment who are really playing their role.”
Daniel Robson kicked three goals for the Devils, while Billy Myers, Steve Kennedy, Rhys Ellis, Jacob Zeestraten and Shane Page were the best in a strong, even contribution.
Scotland returned to the side after a three-week suspension for his third game of the season.
Despite retiring at the end of last season, Scotland said he would continue to play if needed.
“While the body holds up, I may as well keep playing,” he said.
“We won’t get Dan Roy back, we won’t get Leigh Spiteri back and we won’t get Matt Inglis back, that’s three midfielders who I was banking on for the second half of the year and that really hurts us.
“While I can play a part I’ll continue, but I certainly won’t hold myself in the side ahead of somebody that is playing well.”
The win and other results moves the Devils up to second with four rounds remaining.
Scotland said the hard work was still to come.
“It can turn quickly,” he said.
“Whilst we feel good where we are, we can’t relax completely. We’re not there to make up numbers. We’re there to defend our title.”
The Devils are set to receive a boost in the coming weeks with Brian Graham, Dane Grenfell, Jackson Carrick, Abe Kur and Mark Hanson all slated to make a welcome return to the side.
Graham, who suffered a knee injury, was named an emergency for the weekend’s match.
Scotland said he wasn’t far off.
“If you ask Brian, he reckons he’s ready to play.
“It’s about conditioning now. The risk will be bringing him in too soon and risking a soft tissue injury.
“For me he’s the best player in the competition and I don’t want to risk him.
“For the first time in a while we’ll start to have options when it comes to selection which is great.”
