Darley takes on Sebastopol at Marty Busch Reserve on Saturday at 2.15pm - live-streamed to the BFNL Facebook page
CLUB: DARLEY
COACH: Dan Jordan
FOR THE RECORD
(Scoop): Well Dan, there's still no recognized ruckman at the Devils, does this pose a problem?
(Dan): Not necessarily. The vacancy will give one of our younger blokes an opportunity to grow and become a potential 10-year player at the club if they're up for the challenge. I've been in a similar situation at other clubs, we'll just need to be a bit more creative with our set-up around the ball.
(Scoop): What can the BFNL expect from gun recruits Brett Bewley, Nick Rodda and Dylan Landt?
(Dan): There's no guarantees (on performance) on any player(s) returning from a higher level. That aside, Brett brings exceptional leadership and standards that will have a lasting impact on the group while Nick will 'straighten us up' structurally and provide a key target forward. I expect Dylan to play most of his footy with Essendon VFL, any games with us will be a bonus. He dominated the SANFL last year.
(Scoop): The club is coming off a winless 2021, in what areas can Devils fans expect to see a spike in improvement?
(Dan): We're still a work in progress. The buy-in thus far from the group has been positive. We're confident our focus on competitiveness will see us in games for longer as we strive for greater consistency over four quarters.
IDENTIFIED STRENGTHS
(Dan): Stability in defence, greater midfield depth and key target forward.
IMPROVEMENTS
(Dan): Embrace flair. I think we'll see a couple of break-out seasons from players taking the game on given the added experience to the group.
PRE-SEASON TRAINING
(Dan): It's been all about conditioning and trying to get players back to pre-covid fitness levels. On the back of that, working on a collective buy-in with a game plan.
DRAW COMMENTS
(Dan): Not too phased who we play really, our priority is getting that first win. I've no doubt we'll be a much-improved side in the back half of the draw.
PLAYER INS:
Brett Bewley (Fremantle AFL), Nick Rodda (Williamstown VFL), Dylan Landt (Glenelg SANFL, Essendon VFL), Dylan Bishop (ex-Bacchus Marsh)
PLAYER OUTS:
Jake Edwards (Qld), Ryan Kemp (WA), Mark Hanson (Point Cook Centrals), Kirk Fenton (Melton Centrals), Ricky Hawkins (Melton Centrals), Daniel Robson (Melton Centrals)
VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS:
Dylan Landt (Essendon), Bailey Young (Footscray)
DEVILS PASS MARK:
(Dan): To play four quarters of consistent footy. A win early would be a major boost (to achieving this goal).
IMPROVERS TIP (TEAM OUTSIDE OF DARLEY):
(Dan): Tough ask, it's my first year!
FLAG TIP (TEAM OUTSIDE OF DARLEY):
(Dan): North Ballarat City, Macca has them pretty organized.
*With thanks to Darley FNC for photography
