Darley made the most of its opportunities in a low scoring affair against East Point to earn two cracks at the Ballarat Football League grand final.
It was a tough battle between the Devils and East Point in the qualifying final, with neither side able to blow the other away.
A four goal to none second quarter in the favour of the Devils would be the difference as they won 10.7 (67)-5.9 (39).
Devils coach Dan Jordan said come finals time, the expectation was that they would be low scoring.
“It was a tough contested game,” he said. “We were able to take our opportunities when we went forward to get the win.
“It was a tough, difficult game. I don’t think I’ve ever coached a high scoring final.”
The margin was one point at quarter time before the four goals in the second quarter opened by the margin to 21 points.
Jordan said they knew that the Kangaroos would keep the pressure on.
“In the second quarter we upped the ante,” he said. “They come back in the third quarter.
“It was good to be able to get some momentum and we were able to translate it on the scoreboard.
“In the second half it was low scoring and they kicked a couple from free kicks.”
Nick Hind kicked four goals for the Devils while Andrew Azzopardi kicked three goals to be the two main targets up forward.
Defensively the Devils were really strong, led by Mace Cousins, who was named best on ground.
“Mace had a good month in the VFL [Victorian Football League] level and has come back and had a good impact for us.”
Hind, Billy Myers and Luther Baker were others named in the best for the Devils.
Jordan said the key for them wasn’t their stars but those the lesser names that others don’t focus on.
“Our top end is pretty good and pretty consistent,” he said. “It’s good to have that talent at the top end.
“It’s more the role players and lesser likes that are important for us and they are playing well.”
The Devils now have the double chance and two cracks at making the grand final.
The first comes on Saturday against the Sunbury Lions, which beat Ballarat in an elimination final.
“If we can’t get there [the grand final], we’re not good enough,” Jordan said. “Sunbury is playing some pretty good footy.
“East was a bit under run with a few coming back in.
“We had two really good games against them and expect them to be a tough side. They are good defensively and they score quickly. We expect them to be right in it.
“We’ve had a good month as well and expect both sides to be up and about.”
Darley’s reserves will also face Sunbury for a spot in the grand final after beating Bacchus Marsh in an elimination final.
