Devils homecoming no fairy tale

By Todd Whelan

McLeod was pulling the strings at both ends, seemingly everywhere on defense and deftly controlling the offense. Ballan's passing was cutting up Celtic's defense, Addie Jacobs finding Chloe Newton for a jumper and Dakota Mulgrew feeding Sims for a fast break layup after a smart interception.

That said, both teams stepped up the intensity as Ballan found it far tougher to score in the second half.

As it was, Ballan's defense was resolute throughout the 2nd stanza, holding Celtic to just a single basket as they ran out comfortable 29-11 winners on the day.

Results

Under 8

Ballan 22 def Excies Acmy 2

Under 10 Boys

Ballan D 12 lost Drummo Dragons 16

Balan B 27 def Drummo Dragons 17

Under 12 Boys

Ballan F 27 def Phoenix Gladiators 4

Under 14 Boys

Ballan E 34 def Sovereign Knights 21

Ballan D 30 def Phoenix Crocodiles 29

Ballan B 71 def Phoenix 13

Under 14 Girls

Ballan E 26 def Sovereign Knights 11

Ballan B 29 def Celtic Tigers 11

Under 16 Boys

Ballan G 31 Blue drew Brumbies White 31

Ballan G 31 White drew Brumbies Blue 31

Ballan D 41 lost Drummo Dragons 43

Ballan C 48 lost Saints Blazers 49

Under 19 Boys

Ballan G 58 def Saints Rollers 17

Ballan E 45 def Phoenix Commanders 41

Under 19 Girls

Ballan 29 lost Sovereign Knights 32

Darley slipped to fourth place on the BFNL table after a disappointing 18-point loss to Redan at the weekend.

The highly anticipated return to Darley Park ended in a fizzer for Dan Jordan’s men, culminating in a second straight loss.

The Devils had few winners on the ground, winning just one quarter for the match resembling a shell of the team that went 7-0 to start the season.

You can theorise all you like, but the reality is the Devils are simply not coping without key personnel Billy Myers (ankle), Luther Baker (hamstring), Bailey Young (shoulder), Mace Cousins (Geelong VFL), Duncan Cadman (concussion), Lucas Impey (Western Jets) and Jake Ancrum (overseas).

Given Redan had some important absentees of their own, Saturday’s outcome was always going to tell its own story of depth comparison between the two clubs. All honours with Redan seizing the moment. Their ability to outwork and outnumber the Devils both inside the contest and out was a recurring pattern for the afternoon. As a result, the Lions were cleaner extricating from stoppage, allowing more effective ball movement on the outside, placing the once ladder leaders on the back foot.

Devils Captain Brett Bewley near single handedly kept the home side in the game until 3/4 time, reducing a 20-point deficit at the main break to just five at the last, his metres gained by foot and tireless bullocking work, with very little protection, was another blue print example of his superior standing in the game. However, the absence of Baker in his support role for the reigning Henderson Medalist was palpable.

Will Johnson (four goals) and Riley Matricardi (two goals) provided some aerial presence that was otherwise a non-existent feature for the Devils.

Clunky execution of the basic fundamentals (at the level) became the Devils undoing, costing them any chance of a dream return to their homeland.

With the week off for interleague, the Devils wounded soldiers get another 14 days into their recovery, while there’s plenty of work to be done for the current band of frontline soldiers.

The Devils meet second placed Sebastopol in Round 11 at Darley Park. That, I assure you, won’t be any easier.

Coaches’ verdict

Baker (Darley Footy Mgr) - “Our skills have been poor over the last fortnight. Our inability to find a target through the middle of the ground cost us. We got within a goal at 3/4 time but they were always able to reply. Redan have some really good young talent and thoroughly deserved the win.”

Learmonth (Redan) - “We competed really well for four quarters and were pleased with our spread of goalkickers and our ability to respond when Darley was able to kick a goal. (We) understand the Devils had a few out but Lachie George, Liam Hoy and Lachie McLean will only make us better.”

Final Score

Darley 11.13-79 lost Redan 15.7-97

Darley (Whelan’s Best) - B. Bewley, R. Matricardi, W. Johnson, S. Page, M. Denham. Darley (Goals) - W. Johnson 4, R. Matricardi 2, B. Bewley 1, C. Murley, D. Matricardi, S. Page, D. Bishop

COBRA NEWS – JUNE 27, 2023

This weekend saw the female football head up the highway to Ballarat in very cold and wet conditions. With the Under 14’s starting proceedings against East Point at Lake Wendouree the girls put in a mighty effort in very cold conditions to bring home the win. Under 16s had the bye. The Under 19s came up against strong opposition against Ballarat swans in very difficult conditions to keep putting up a show of good passage play to go down to the Ballarat Swans.

The Senior Women played very well with some of the under. 19s stepping up to play and coming home with a great win against Carisbrook, all played well with some great skills to watch.

We also held our mid-year ball Saturday night at the Maddingley Clubrooms and a successful and enjoyable night had by all in attendance with a full house.

Upcoming Senior Football we have games against Melton (15/7) and Darley at Darley (22/7) looking forward to great crowds and competition at both.