Darley’s remarkable turnaround continues as the Devils book their grand final ticket

Darley is through to its first Ballarat league grand final since 2017 after thrashing North Ballarat, continuing the club’s remarkable transformation.

Riley Matricardi celebrates a goal for Darley. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Darley is going back to the Ballarat league grand final for the first time since its 2017 premiership triumph.

It continues the Devils remarkable turnaround, going from winless to red-hot title favourites in the space of two seasons.

A dominant 61-point win over North Ballarat in Saturday’s major semi-final at Darley Park booked the club’s ticket to the decider.

Mace Cousins kicked three goals as 10 different Devils hit the scoreboard in an extraordinarily efficient display in attack.

In contrast, the Roosters were held to just one goal and an inaccurate 1.8 to three-quarter-time.

Brett Bewley in action for Darley. Picture: Andy Brownbill

The 14.5 (89) to 3.10 (28) triumph earns Darley a week off as the wait on the winner of a preliminary final between North and East Point.

Coach Dan Jordan, who has overseen the club’s transformation, said his players had a new level of focus this season.

“The boys executed pretty well, we bought the heat and intensity and controlled the game, particularly after quarter-time,” he said.

“We’ve been pretty grounded and focused, we found the level we needed to bring.

“A few people said last year we exceeded expectations but I didn’t think so, in fact I was a little disappointed with our end.

“We’ve given ourselves an opportunity, which is great, but the job’s not done and there’s plenty of hard work to go.

“There’s a lot more resolve, last year we made finals and it was a good effort, but now we’re a bit more focused and not content with just making finals and trying to be the best team in the competition.”

Star centre half-back Matt Brett was named best-on-ground after marshalling a stingy Devils defence.

Riley Matricardi celebrates a goal for Darley. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Jacob Zeestraten, Luther Baker, Bailey Young and Joel Cadman also impressed, while Brett Bewley was again outstanding.

“They got two (goals) in the last, which I was a bit disappointed with to be honest,” Jordan said.

“Defensively, they held up and it was a strong performance, North Ballarat is a strong contested side so we had to bring our A-game in that area and it allowed us to set up defensively.”

Jordan is facing a couple of difficult decisions ahead of the grand final.

Leigh Spiteri suffered a shoulder injury in the semi-final win and is racing the clock to be fit, while Will Johnson is available after serving a one-week suspension.

North Ballarat will host East Point at City Oval in the preliminary final on Saturday.

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Jordan, a Kangaroos legend, would love to see his old club carry on its stunning late-season form – but not in the grand final.

“They’re playing great footy at the moment and there’s a lot to be said for a young group with momentum and belief,” Jordan said.

“Jacko’s got them going … I’m always happy to see East do well but if they get through maybe not so much in a fortnight.

“It’s a great effort by them, sitting seventh two weeks ago, to now be playing in a preliminary final.”