Despite an impressive eight BFNL Premierships between them (since 1997) you have to go back to the glory days of the Riddell District Football League for their last meet on the competition’s biggest stage, when the Devils saluted against the odds in 1989.

Call it the belated decider some 36 years in waiting, call it what you like, but this showdown for the BFNL's ultimate silverware trumps all bragging rights for the here and now.

Sunbury has won five BFNL Premierships, none since 2012, while Darley have three, all post the previous Lions’ success in 2015, 2017 and 2023.

The last grand final the Lions took part in was their 55-point loss to Bacchus Marsh in 2016 at Mars Stadium.

Enter the new era.

Given the Devils more recent success under Dan Jordan, the minor premiers will have as many as 14 representatives from their 2023 flag campaign - needless to add the Lions sit at zero, given their 13-year hiatus.

Both sides bring the best form deserving of a place in the BFNL's ultimate decider.

The Devils have won their last 19 games, unbeaten since Round 1 which will earmark 168 days since their season opening defeat to last year’s premiers, Melton.

Three of those 19 games include wins over Sunbury by an average of 31 points.

Not to be outdone, the Lions come with formidable form of their own with seven wins from their last eight games including a final’s win in Ballarat.

A postcode the Devils haven't visited since August 16th (35 days).

Despite the Lions’ 0-3 season record against the Devils, Matty White's pride have done enough to give the indication they're more than capable, having led Jordan's army by 18 points or more in each of their three outings.

At least that's what Lions’ coach Matt White thinks.

Talking post the Lions 38-point loss to the Devils in the second semi final, the former Richmond and Port Adelaide speedster went on the record saying - "we know how to beat Darley..." White gets his fourth chance to confirm the theory, albeit on the Lions most celebratory day since their 2016 Grand Final appearance against Bacchus Marsh. 

While White endeavours to provide the means via message to his relatively inexperienced group, Jordan holds the aces as the beneficiary of a successful campaign alongside many, keeping he and his group 'in the present'.

Finding degrees of separation, one could look at to the numbers to convince the 'fence sitter'.

Despite the warm favourites tag, Darley will want to start well given the Lions are renowned fast beginners against top four opposition.

In fact, White's pride are +80 from their eight games against Darley, East Point and Melton for first quarters, while pre-match favourites Darley are -31.

To add even more spice to a projected mouthwatering classic, the Lions’ next best term is their third (+54 against top four opposition).

Ironically the first and third terms represent the Devils weakest returns (-31 and -44).

If the numbers alone are to provide any indication, Jordan's army will need to bounce early, aware their second and fourth quarter returns against the league’s best (+106 and +117) stack up (comp rank #1).

Embrace the numbers as you see fit but given the Lions’ 0-3 record against the Devils, if they're not making the Devils chase the game, they're in trouble.

Both sides are relatively healthy - expect Sunbury to be unchanged from their previous two finals wins while the Devils are likely to welcome back Mickey Edwards and defender Zane Le Huray.

Expect Billy Myers to get the job on Lions’ spearhead Jake Sutton and anticipate an enthralling battle through the midfield between Henderson Medal winner and runner-up combo Jake Egan (Sunbury) and Brett Bewley (Darley).

Just who White sends to Devils’ forward Will Johnson remains a mystery given two of his last three attempts have essentially failed.

Finding a winner and separating the two sides comes down to an overwhelming band of Devils elite talent proven amid the business end action, when it counts most.

Brett Bewley, Nick Hind, Billy Myers, Mace Cousins, Luther Baker, Matthew Brett, Mickey Edwards, Will Johnson, Lucas Impey, Joel Cadman and co would be a handful for any regional Victorian team to overcome let alone that of a very even and spirited Sunbury, buoyed with the assets of recently crowned Henderson Medallist Jake Egan and Tony Lockett Medallist Jake Sutton.

Expecting Sunbury to have their moments and challenge the Devils for periods but over the journey, Jordan's direction, leaders and compliance of foot soldiers will validate their number one standing in the competition as the BFNL's Premier team. 

SCOOP’S TIP

Darley 18 points.

ONES TO WATCH

Defenders

Darley: Billy Myers (#10) - averages 26.4 disposals, 16.2 effective kicks (comp rank 1st) and 8.1 marks (3rd). Mace Cousins (#14) - The Werribee VFL listed rebound and intercept defender has arguably been best on ground in both of the Devils finals wins v East Point and Sunbury.

Sunbury: Tyson Lever (#4) - averages 26 disposals (comp rank 21st) and is 17th in the comp for effective disposals. BFNL rank 1st for intercept marks and 3rd for marks.

Midfielders

Darley: "BHB" blue chip stocks. Brett Bewley (#2) – the dual Henderson Medal winner averages 38.4 disposals (comp rank 1st) and 6.9 inside 50s (1st). Nick Hind (#1) - averages 31.5 disposals (comp rank 4th) including 23.2 kicks (1st) and 6.4 inside 50s (3rd). Luther Baker (#7) - averages 25 disposals, ranks 7th in comp for clearances and 11th for inside 50s

Sunbury: Jake Egan (#6) - the 2025 Henderson Medallist averages 27.7 disposals, ranks 6th in the comp for contested possessions and ranks 4th for pressure. Harry Power (#1) - 28.1 disposal average and ranks 4th in the comp for handball receives. Ben Cameron (#26) - 19.4 disposal average for the Coburg VFL listed accumulator.

Forwards

Darley: Will Johnson (#22) - 59 goals (comp rank 3rd) and averages 5.7 goal involvements per game (comp rank 2nd). Has kicked 13 goals (total) in his last three meets against the Lions. Mickey Edwards - 28 goals (comp rank 18th) but missed their last meet in the semi final. Kicked single goals against the Lions in the previous two meets.

Sunbury: Jake Sutton (#14) - 75 goals (comp rank 1st), 20 games including 19 returns of multiple goals. Ranks 4th in the comp for goal involvements (5.5) and ranks 1st for score involvements (8.8). Has kicked 9 goals (total) in his last three meets against the Devils. Daniel Johnston (#21) - 45 goals (comp rank 6th) from 18 games including 16 returns of multiple goals. Has kicked 5 goals (total) against the Devils in the previous three meets.

FOR THE RECORD

• Darley has won last four games v Sunbury and eight of the last 10.
• Sunbury have won seven of their last eight BFNL games
• Darley's best quarters against top opposition (8 games) - second (+106) and fourth (+117)
• Sunbury's best quarters against top 4 opposition (8 games)- first (+80) and third (+54).
  
  

COACHES’ TIPS

Dennis Armfield (Bacchus Marsh) – Sunbury, 4 points          

Clint Proctor (North Ballarat) – Darley, 20 points 

Ash Baker (Ballarat) – Darley, 15 points                            

Rohan Brown (Lakers) – Darley, 35 points 

Joe Carmody (East Point) – Darley, 30 points                            

Steve Kane (Redan) – Darley, 32 points 

Troy Scoble (Melton) – Darley, 9 points                                   

Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol) – Darley, 22 points