Darley continues to improve each week as it looks for its first win in the AFL Goldfields’ women’s competition.
In their first season in the competition, the Devils have not won a game, yet have dealt well with a situation that finds them playing sides that have been around for a number of years.
Devils coach Peter Curran said the season was not about the wins and losses.
“The work rate is always there,” he said. “It’s about how they grow as a team and the culture of the teams.
“There isn’t a game they haven’t improved in something, whether it’s kicking or marking. There’s so much potential for next year.”
Several Devils have played before, but the side also has a number of first-time players.
Curran said he had to change his coaching style for the new players, but said he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“The focus has been on the basic skills and the game style – it’s about learning the fundamentals,” he said.
“Some of the younger ones have played football at school. The newer ones have come in for the love of the game and are learning football.”
Curran said injuries had meant the club had been up and down with numbers, but it was still attracting new players.
He said some of the new players were having an impact.
“There’s some talented players who have joined the club.
“We’ve got a girl from Darwin who has moved down here and still wants to play.
“Emily Keep, the daughter of a club legend, signed up two days before one of our recent matches. She started kicking the footy and she’s got a massive mark and natural ability. One of her friends has come across, too … she’ll be a handy player as well.”
Curran said the support from the club for the women’s side had been massive and everyone was right behind them.
On Sunday, the Devils lost to Gisborne.
Darley trailed by 10 points at quarter-time, but failed to kick a goal from there, losing
9.12 (66)-1.3 (9).
Kim Bessell kicked the Devils’ goal.
Sally Fairweather, Veronica Thatcher and Katy Greig were named the Devils’ best.
In other results, Bacchus Marsh lost to ladder-leader Redan.
The Lions had a day out, winning 15.20 (110)-1.0 (6). The Cobras sit in fifth place.
Sixth-placed Melton Centrals lost to Carisbrook.
