Devils’ utility Billy Myers became the hero after slotting his second goal in the 31st minute of the last quarter to put the Devils in front with just seconds remaining.
While there were plenty of superlatives flying around in the aftermath best describing the nature of the ‘steal’, jubilation for Darley and heartbreak for North Ballarat were the overwhelming constants.
North Ballarat were brave, and for many the best side on the day. The Roosters lead for all bar four minutes of the second term and the handful of the dying seconds post the Myers sealer.
Roosters’ midfield trio Cam McCullum, Riley Polkinghorne and Jack Riding bounced back from their second semi vulnerabilities to nullify Devils’ playmaker combo Brett Bewley and Luther Baker.
Experienced Roosters’ coach Brendan McCartney had his young group on point, coming oh so close to pulling off what would have been a deserving win.
The Roosters hunted in numbers with great effect and finished the game ahead in most key KPIs but not the one that mattered most, the scoreboard.
Devils’ coach Dan Jordan conceded North Ballarat held the advantage over his boys who were aiming to end their season with a tenth straight win.
“I thought you (North Ballarat) outplayed us today,” Jordan said.
The Roosters led by as much as 26 points early in the third quarter when former Essendon, Western Bulldogs and Geelong forward Stewart Crameri kicked truly from a set shot 40 metres out from goal.
Just how the Devils were able to get out of their dire situation would still have most of the footy public baffled.
Roosters’ fans would have every right to think they would win the replay given the nature of their performance - arguably their best for the season despite the loss.
But let’s not forget the Devils had to do plenty right to win the game with every bit of time, score and momentum seemingly against them.
Shane Page and Duncan Cadman were a pillar of strength, the unofficial quarterbacks denying the hunters. Their courage, rebound, second and third efforts would help change the narrative and keep the dream alive.
Jordan opted to park structure discussions at the last change leaning toward his faith in the group, a relationship two years in the build.
Onus on character, resilience and trust was the overriding theme that gave onlookers goosebumps and the realisation that all was not lost.
A four-goal-to-one final term capped by the icy vein finish of Myers would see the Devils storm home to win by the barest of margins in a BFNL Grandstand finish for the ages.
For all of Jordan’s football successes, predominantly on-field, strangely it was the 42-year-olds first flag involvement since his 2002 stint with VAFA club St Bernard’s. Drought over.
More broadly it was the Devils’ third BFNL Premiership since 2015 and first since 2017.
The crowning achievement is just reward for a season rendered ‘complicated’ given their entire first half season was played ‘away’ due to an elongated completion of its new facility.
The Devils hardworking faithful will duly celebrate for as long as they see fit, a memory now etched in Black and White folklore. ‘Redemption complete’.
For North Ballarat, while every bit brave, are left reeling in the space of contemplation, filtering what could have been.
That’s footy.
Medal winners
Roy Edward Memorial Trophy: Riley Polkinghorne (North Ballarat)
AFL Victoria Country Medal: Billy Myers (Darley)
Coaches’ Verdict
Dan Jordan (Darley): “Full respect to North Ballarat, I think they actually outplayed us in most facets for the day but we hung in and took our big moments in the last quarter and sometimes that can be enough in footy and ultimately proved the difference.
Special mention for Leigh Spiteri (shoulder) who had the unselfishness to pull out of the game midweek. Brave call for the betterment of the group.
He too is a premiership player this year in our eyes.”
Brendan McCartney (North Ballarat): ”Great game of footy. So proud of our players commitment to the contest and what was needed in the game. (We) did our very best as a club on Grand Final day. Well done to Darley.”
Darley 3.2-20, 4.2-26, 7.4-46, 11.5-71 defeated
North Ballarat 3.3-21, 6.4-40, 9.6-60, 10.10-70
Darley (Scoop's Best): S.Page, D.Cadman, M.Denham, J.Cadman, An.Azzopardi, J.Zeestraten, B.Bewley, B.Myers, B.Young.
North Ballarat (Scoop’s Best): C.McCullum, Ri.Polkinghorne, J.Riding, S.Glover, I.Lovisson, S.Crameri, S.McCartin, J.Sparkman, F.Loader.
Darley (Goals): J.Cadman 3, W.Johnson 2, B.Myers 2, B.Bewley, D.Matricardi, M.Cousins, And Azzopardi.
North Ballarat (Goals): S.Crameri 3, J.Quick 2, S.Glover 2, H.Loader, J.Riding, Ri Polkinghorne.
