Darley isn’t resting on its laurels, with the reigning Ballarat Football League premiers revealing three key signings early in the off season.
Having claimed both the senior and reserves premierships this year, the Devils have quickly reinforced their playing group with some frontline players.
Two BFL Henderson medalists and Devils premiership players headline the signings.
Steven Kennedy, a dual best and fairest winner at the Devils, returns to the club from Altona this year and will strengthen the Devils midfield.
Jake Edwards, who was part of the 2015 premiership, returns after playing VFL with Geelong.
Coach Heath Scotland said it was fantastic to get Kennedy back to the club. Kennedy claimed the Western Region Football League division 1 best and fairest this year.
“He was a really big loss last year for us. He loves Darley and it was a tough call for him last season,” he said.
“We’ve been speaking to him throughout the year and we were confident that we could get him back.
“He came to a few of our games and he missed the atmosphere of Darley.”
Kennedy will be a playing assistant coach and will look after the forward line. Scotland said Kennedy had so much to offer the playing group.
Edwards announced his retirement from VFL level this year. Scotland said Edwards had plenty of clubs seeking his signature but he decided to return to the Devils.
Picture Shawn Smits.
“He had some great offers,” Scotland said. “He wanted to come back and play with the club he loves. He’s excited about joining Darley again. Jake can play either end of the ground and can play midfield as well.”
Former VFL player Dylan Reid comes to the club from the Essendon District Football League.
Scotland said Reid would add flexibility to the side, with the ability to play in the ruck or as a key forward.
With those three key signings sealed, Scotland said the club would likely be a bit quieter for the rest of the off season.
“We’re pretty much locked and loaded,” he said.
“We might be able to fit in a couple more players if they come to us, but we targeted three areas and have filled those spots.”
Scotland said they were expecting most of the playing group to remain.
Drew Edwards has retired, joining Scotland who announced his playing days were over after the premiership win.
