By Tara Murray
Darley was up for the fight on Saturday and continued its strong start to the Ballarat Football League women’s season.
The Devils faced cross town Bacchus Marsh on Saturday in the final game of a big day between the two teams, with the men’s football and senior netball also played.
The two clubs juniors sides were then in action on Sunday against each other.
Devils co-coach Brett Faulkhead said both teams get up for the occasion and it’s one of the biggest days of the season.
It was another strong performance by the Devils, who ran away with a 12.8 (80)-2.6 (18) win.
“We put a lot of planning into the game during the week to identify their key players,” Faulkhead said.
“The first quarter we were a bit slow but we were able to get our mojo going a bit more after that.
“I knew it would be a tough game and the scoreboard didn’t reflect Bacchus Marsh’s contribution in the game.
“It was harder than it looked.”
Madalyn Clarke, in game 150, kicked two goals as did Evie Fitzgerald and Lilli Condon.
Faulkhead said Fitzgerald, who was part of the Western Jets squad, was trying to work her way back into the Jets team. He said her fitness was improving in every game after missing a large chunk of football the past few years.
Condon, who has been named in the best in all three games, continues to lead the way for her side.
Faulkhead said they thought Condon, who won the league best and fairest last season, had gotten even better.
“A couple of people have said it to her,” he said. “We have spoken that it’s a better season this season.
“She had a great game last [Saturday] night.”
Faulkhead said the pleasing thing was seeing the group sharing the load and not leaving it to a couple of players.
The win means the Devils have started the season with five straight wins for the first time.
“We’ve played everyone once we know where we sit,” he said. “We know that we can improve each week and have identified areas to work on and what is working well.
“Win, loss or draw we walk away and learn from it.”
Faulkhead, who is coaching with Emmerson Hitch this season, said they were excited about what lays ahead of them.
He said the new additions to the team had fitted in really well and the team was constantly building each year.
“The new players are gelling into the team.”
The Devils this week face Redan in another challenge on Sunday. Rean sits second after five rounds.
For the Cobras, which suffered their second loss of the season in the loss to Darley, Melanie Freeman, Chloe Walker and Olivia Dilges were their best.
Bacchus Marsh will play East Point this Sunday in round six.
