Although the Devils only needed to go back two seasons to their breakthrough BFL premiership, they were hurting after an ordinary 2016.

Plagued by injuries and undoubtedly a form of premiership “hangover”, Darley had fallen in the finals.

All they did last year was make up numbers in the top six.

For Scotland and the Devils, just being part of another final series this season was never going to be enough.

Scotland has never shied away from the fact that reaching the grand final was the minimum objective.

And this was why Roy was right at the top of his list of recruiting targets, as an experienced player with premierships under his belt – Mansfield in 2009 and South Barwon in 2015 – and with the ability to work through adversity.

Now that Darley is in the grand final against Bacchus Marsh at Mars Stadium on Saturday, Roy is ready to deliver.

It has not been the smoothest of seasons for the 29-year-old.

The birth of twins Reggie and Delilah in May meant he had to put football on the backburner for a white to spend more time with his wife Hayley. He missed representing the BFL and a handful of club games.

Then after getting some continuity back in his season he suffered a fractured eye socket and cheekbone, which now features two plates.

While a frustrating setback he was determined and confident he would get back for the finals –  he had overcome worse when broke his neck earlier in his football career – and did just that to line up in the second semi-final win over Bacchus Marsh.

Roy knew he needed to play in that match to have a chance to line up in a grand final, and admitted he had returned a little earlier than he might have had it been in the home and away season.

Roy said the interruptions meant his fitness had been up and down, but right now he could not be in better shape for the big one.

He said as excited as he was about reaching the grand final, the job was not yet done and his full focus was on ensuring the Devils completed the deal.

Roy said knowing what winning a premiership was like, it was an experience he wanted to ensure he and his teammates experienced on Saturday.

The assistant coach said the Devils were a tightly knit bunch and the club deserved another flag.

“It’s a well run, no frills club. Everyone accepts each other for what they are.

“There’s respect all round.”