Melton entered Saturday’s game with reigning Ballarat Football League premier Darley wanting to win a bit of respect.
They earned it with a shock win – and put themselves on the radar of other sides.
The Bloods started the game stronger and finished better to win 13.8 (86)-8.8 (56).
They got out to 36-point lead in the second quarter and an upset looked on the cards, but the Devils reduced the margin to 31 points at the main break.
Bloods coach Aaron Tymms said they expected the Devils to hit back.
Tymms said Darley coach Heath Scotland got his match-ups right, while his side went with what had been working for them.
“It was a bit of a worry,” he said. “They outplayed us in the third quarter.”
The Devils’ injury concerns continued on from last week, with Jake Edwards finishing the game on the bench.
Tymms said that one less rotation for the opposition helped his side. But despite having an extra man, Tymms said they were still nervous entering the final quarter 12 points up.
“We cramped up against Melton South the week before and we knew what Darley did the week before against Bacchus Marsh,” he said.
“It was stressful at three-quarter time, but we made some moves and came away with the win.”
The Bloods kicked the first four goals of the last quarter to secure the win.
Ruckman Ben Archard was best on ground, with Braedan Kight, Matt Denham, Darren Haby and Jordyn Cotter kicking three goals apiece.
Tymms said Brett McIntyre was strong down back and Malcolm Beck restricted the impact of Brian Graham.
The win gave the Bloods a 2-0 start to the season. But Tymms said there was plenty of work ahead.
“Darley being the benchmark and Melton South is the rivalry, it’s a big start to the season,” he said.
“We would have been happy with two wins from four games and we’ve already got that after two games.
“We’ve got East Point and Sunbury Lions the next two weeks and it will test us for sure.
“We have to respect anyone that we play as we’re coming from a fair bit back. We can’t take anyone lightly.”
Bacchus Marsh had the bye.
