The first time was sweet, but the second time is even sweeter for Darley’s Luke Delahey.
Part of the Devils 2015 premiership, Delahey played a key role in making sure the Devils added the 2017 premiership to the cabinet.
Playing in defence and providing plenty of run and carry through the middle of the ground, Delahey was awarded the Ray Edwards Memorial Plate by the umpires as the best player on the ground.
He was well supported by the rest of the backline, which coach Heath Scotland credited as the key reason for the win.
Scotland was awarded the other best on ground medal.
Delahey said the feeling of winning a premiership was as amazing as 2015, but at the same time it felt different.
“It’s unbelievable, it brings back memories of 2015,” he said.
“Back in 2015, it was a bit more of a relief, to be honest.
“I’d never played in finals as a junior, so to get into the grand final and the last week of September was special.
“This is even better, coming against Bacchus Marsh as most of my mates play there.”
The Geelong VFL development player said he had taken confidence out of the side’s semi-final win against the Cobras, when they destroyed the Cobras with their intensity.
“We knew we could match it if we bring the heat and give our defenders time to set up,” he said.
“At half-time [in the grand final] I still had full confidence in the boys, we just had to absorb the heat as they threw everything at us.
“I still can’t believe it.”
It caps off a good final series for Delahey, who was the Devils best in their first final, the elimination final against North Ballarat City.
Delahey said the memorial plate for being best on ground was something he was likely to reflect on more once he finishes playing football.
He was full of praise for their coach, Scotland, who is in his first year at the club.
“The professionalism he brings to the club is first class and it reflects in both grades as you’ve seen today.”
