Star spearheads Nick Rodda and Dylan Conway duel but Darley claims win

Star spearheads Nick Rodda and Dylan Conway put on a 1990s-style goalkicking duel but it was Darley that claimed the win over Melton South.

Nick Rodda during his time at Williamstown. Picture: Michael Klein

There was a throw back to the 1980s and 1990s at Melton Recreation Reserve on Saturday.

Two star forwards going head-to-head in a goalkicking duel rarely seen at any level of footy in this day and age.

Darley’s Nick Rodda booted eight goals to lead to his team to a 33-point victory over Melton South and reigning Lockett Medallist Dylan Conway, who kicked five.

It was a season high for Rodda – who’s kicked 13 majors in the last two matches – and Conway.

Darley coach Dan Jordan, a legendary forward in the Ballarat Football League himself, was pleased to see his big man get on the end of a few.

Jake Ancrum in action for Darley. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“Nick was really good for us, he’s a big focal point for us,” Jordan said.

“We structure around him accordingly and we thought we could stretch them with him, so we were trying to get the ball in long and quick to him and he managed to his hands on the footy.

“Melton South is a pretty short ground so it’s not how we’ll play every week but we were pretty keen to getting that ball in long and deep.

“He allows us to make deeper entries and his ability to compete two-on-one and bring the ball to ground was pretty important for us.

“He’s been working on his goalkicking a bit, he was disappointed with the Sebas game when he left a few out there, so he’s been working on that to make the most of his opportunities.”

After a first-half arm-wrestle Melton South held a five-point lead at half-time.

However, Darley found another gear after the break and ran away with the game, booting eight goals to two.

The 14.14 (98) to 9.11 (65) win is a strong response from the Devils after a heart-breaking one-point loss to Bacchus Marsh last week.

Darley was forced to make seven changes with youngster Cooper Murley making his debut.

“We had a fair bit of illness last week and a few with heavy knocks so we had seven changes,” Jordan said.

“We had a pretty young and inexperienced side in – a few playing their first game or having played under 10 games – so given that we knew it would be a challenge and the boys stuck to it.

“We focused on winning the ball inside and I thought our guys in there were terrific to give us first use and get the ball forward.”

Devils skipper Brett Bewley continued his sparkling early-season form, named best-on-ground in the win, while Jake Ancrum and Bailey Young also impressed.

The club faces its biggest challenge of the season on Saturday when it travels to undefeated league-leader Melton.

The Bloods are coming off a 28-point win over Bacchus Marsh at Maddingley Park to be the last undefeated team in the competition.

Jordan is looking forward to the challenge and hopes to have the likes of Shane Page, Darren Leonard and Duncan and Joel Cadman at his disposal.

“It’s good to have a couple of wins early and we’ve got a huge challenge this week against Melton,” he said.

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“They’re a really good side and it will be a good test for our young group and where they’re at.

“Those guys are pretty integral to the way we play but also the experience they bring to the group.

“We won’t take any risk with them but we’re hoping they can get through the week training wise and put their hands up for selection.”

Elsewhere, East Point (102) outclassed Lake Wendoree (43), Ballarat (91) upset North Ballarat (76) in the city derby and Redan shocked Sebastopol by 50 points at Marty Busch Reserve.