With preseason preparations well under way and Round 1 fast approaching, Scoop goes one-on-one with all 11 senior coaches ahead of the 2023 McDonalds BFNL season.
CLUB: Darley
COACH: Dan Jordan (2nd Season)
2022 Home & Away Record: 4th (10-6, 111.20%)
Scoop: Can we expect much of the same from the Devils in 2023 or is it fair to suggest you can better a group second time around - natural progression if you will?
Dan Jordan: Clearly last year was an educational phase learning how we want to play. Given that base we have an opportunity to consolidate and build on our connection and familiarity.
S: You lose A-Grade talent Nick Rodda and Dylan Landt - does this make the challenge considerably more difficult to improve?
DJ: It's exciting really. Opportunity presents for some that wouldn't necessarily have had that chance with Nick and Dylan in the side. Spreading the load essentially is what we're ready to embrace.
S: You played Grand Finalists Melton and Sebastopol only once in 2022 but still averaged 75.3 points AGST per game (ranked 6th in comp) – is there a primary focus in strengthening particular lines this during the pre-season to further support this?
DJ: There's no one particular focus. All three lines we will aim to develop. I see considerable growth for this group with our connection and depth.
S: The addition of Billy Myers is significant. His versatility gives you options. If Round 1 was tomorrow - where would we likely see him line-up? Do you have an ideal position earmarked for him?
DJ: Billy is a quality player who drives standards in preparation and on the track along with Brett (Bewley). We're kind of tossing up at the moment to be honest what role would be 'the ideal'. At the moment, I would say forward/mid but his versatility, as you say, certainly gives us options.
S: Runaway 2022 Henderson Medalist Brett Bewley was hampered by a calf complaint at the business end of last year. Has that meant a re-assessment of his potential midfield minutes despite the absence of Landt?
DJ: Depends on our depth around the ball. Brett shouldered a heavy workload for us last year and had an outstanding season. I've always been a fan of having your best players around the ball but we'll keep an eye on it - I’m quite happy for him to be peaking later than Round 1.
S: What are some of the identified strengths of the club?
DJ: Our connection in defence and knowing each other’s roles.
S: Where do you expect to see your projected improvement come from?
DJ: Contested ball craft and intensity. Creative ball movement and less predictability. Forward half defence. Dealing with expectation.
S: How has pre-season training looked?
DJ: The boys came back after the break looking good. That fitness base gives us an advantage to work at higher intensity and be less prone to injury.
S: Who do you expect to be the biggest improvers this year? (Outside of your club)
DJ: Sunbury - they played some good footy at the back end of last season and were able to beat Melton.
S: Who is your flag tip? (Outside of your club)
DJ: Melton – I think they’ll be pretty similar to last year and will be hard to beat.
KEY INS:
Billy Myers (Williamstown VFL), Matt Denham (Melton), Billy Sullivan (Melton South), Riley Matricardi (Trentham), Darcy Matricardi (Trentham)
PLAYER OUTS:
N.Rodda (Warrnambool), D.Landt (Dimboola)
VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS:
B.Young (Footscray). M.Cousins (Geelong)
