Tara Murray
Any time Darley and Bacchus Marsh face each other is big in the Ballarat Football League, let alone when both teams are fighting for finals spots.
That was the case on Saturday, with the Devils getting the win and all but lock in a top six spot, while making the Cobras task just a bit tougher.
After scores were level at quarter time, the Devils led by three to four goals for much of the middle part of the game.
The Cobras fought back late with six last quarter goals, but it wasn’t enough with the Devils winning, 15.16 (106)-15.6 (96).
Devils president Mark Shelly said it was a massive day for the club, with all but of their sides getting a win on the field and on the netball court.
He said that for the senior men’s football team, the result had set up the perfect lead into finals.
“Pretty much in theory, it was an elimination final,” he said of the Bacchus Marsh game.
“In particular it secured us to play finals which is really good.
“In hindsight, the run home is ideal now. We have the bye this week and then North Ballarat and then finals.
“It’s the perfect scenario for us.”
Shelly said the score line probably flattered the Cobras a bit, with several Devils playing out the game with small injuries and knocks.
He said none of the injuries were serious and with the week off they should all be right for their next match.
Nick Rodda kicked five goals for the Devils, while Joel Freeman kicked five goals at the other end for the Cobras.
Shelly said the group was starting to work out how best to deliver to Rodda, after taking a bit of time getting used to him being the key target up forward.
He said there was a clear best on ground in his opinion.
“Matthew Brett was outstanding,” he said. “He played up in the forward line early, before going back to his normal role across half back.
“He copped a bit of a knock and effectively played on one leg in the last quarter. The number of intercept and contested marks was outstanding.”
Shelly also praised the performance of Dylan Landt, highlighting the impact he has with the ball, but the attention it takes away from other midfielders like Brett Bewley and Luther Baker.
Shelly was also impressed with some of the younger players coming through.
“We keep getting a number of games into some of these kids,” he said.
“Mace Cousins again was really good. Younger kids who are developing like Zane Le Huray and Mitchell Gardiner.
“It’s just as satisfying watching these guys as it is the elder statesmen.”
The Devils now sit fifth with two rounds remaining.
They sit two games clear of North Ballarat, which is in sixth. Bacchus Marsh is in seventh spot, percentage behind North Ballarat.
Meanwhile, the Sunbury Lions caused a massive upset, beating Melton.
Not much separated the teams in the first three quarters, with the Bloods leading by nine points at three quarter time despite having six less scoring shots.
The Lions finally kicked straight in the final quarter, kicking five goals to one, to get a 9.14 (68)-8.5 (53) win.
Melton South had the bye.
