Following Darley’s gallant defeat against Redan in Sunday’s Ballarat Football League elimination final, club captain Jarrod ‘‘Tuddy’’ Edwards announced to his teammates he would re-sign with the Devils for next season.

In contrast to last season’s tumultuous finish, when uncertainty reigned at Darley Park, coach Gary Learmonth said Edwards’ announcement was a sign of smoother sailing ahead.

‘‘I think it is a big thing, really,’’ Learmonth said.

‘‘When we finished last year there was uncertainty with not knowing if guys like (Rob) Cheevers, (Callum) Urch and even Jarrod were going to be around.

‘‘When you go out and speak to other players and you tell them guys like Jarrod are staying on, especially as

captain, it makes it far easier with recruiting as well as

retaining the players you have.’’

The Devils have signed or received commitments from

the majority of its players from this season, with Brent

Dryden, Sam Newton and Chris McGill among those

locked in, according to Learmonth.

Assistant coaches Derek Coghlan and Keenan Reynolds have also indicated they will stay on.

‘‘We may lose one or two,’’ Learmonth says.

‘‘We’re hoping to get Jake (Edwards) to stay on. We might only lose him if he wants to have a go at VFL

level. Lachie Herring is likely to leave due to work in Mt

Gambier.

‘‘We expect to keep most of the rest of the guys, which is great going forward.

‘‘The way we finished off the season — we finished off

really positively. We weren’t quite there but we showed

we’ve got the talent to match it with most sides. It’s now about keeping them together and adding a couple more.’’