Tara Murray
It was a family affair for Darley in its Ballarat Football League win against Lake Wendouree on Saturday.
Four sets of brothers took to the field in the same game, with the Azzopardi, Bewley, Cadman and Ward brothers all having an impact.
Devils president Mark Shelly said it’s the first time this has happened at the club since the 1995 grand final.
He said on that day there were four sets of brothers and a set of brothers in laws.
Shelly said the most pleasing thing about the sets of brothers was that with most of them still relatively young in age and experience, they would hopefully be around for a number of years.
The group got to share in the winning spoils, as the Devils returned to the winners list against the bottom of the table Lakers.
The Devils jumped out of the blocks and the game was over at half time, with the Devils leading by 64 points at the main break.
They continued their momentum in the second half, winning 24.18 (162)-8.8 (56).
Shelly said it was a good performance.
“I think we are starting to gel together,” he said. “I think one of the pleasing aspects and no disrespect to Lake Wendouree is that we were able to finish the game off.
“We’ve had our foot on the throat in other games, but haven’t finished them off. We did that yesterday.
“There was a team first mentality. Giving the ball off to players in a better position.”
Nick Rodda kicked nine goals in the win, while Matthew Brett and Dylan Landt kicked three goals each.
For Brett it was his first game of the season after a knee injury. Normally a defender, he was thrown forward.
Shelley said the pleasing thing was the performances of the young group who continue to show plenty of promise.
“We’ve got input from our stars, likely Brett Bewley,” he said. “But there’s a group of those young guys that are starting to step up.
“Mace Cousins is a star at half back. Everyone wants the ball in his hands. There’s lots of under-17s and under-19s that are getting opportunities.
“Brodie Ward made his debut and played his role. The next phase of two to three years is looking really promising.”
The Devils sit fourth after 10 rounds, but only two games separate second and eighth. Shelly said they know every game is important.
In a boost, Darren Leonard is set to return in the coming weeks. The Devils this week face North Ballarat.
“There’s a logjam,” Shelly said. “Percentage is going to play some part at the end of the year.
“If your percentage is good enough, it could be like an extra win. We want to carry that momentum going forward and take it one week at a time.
“This week will be a pretty good test and could help us cement a top two to three spot.”
In other results, Melton South lost to North Ballarat, Melton snuck home against Redan, while Bacchus Marsh beat Sebastopol.
