DARLEY coach Jarrod Edwards expressed a touch of relief after dispensing of Melton South in the Ballarat Football League.
Although the Devils were a short-priced favourite to win, Edwards said he had been a little nervous in the lead-up to the first match of the season.
It was big day for Darley, with it being their first full-scale outing since an historic grand final victory and the day the Devils unfurled their premiership flag.
There was certainly an air of excitement among the players, who looked extremely relaxed pre-game.
Edwards said he had spoken to his players about the danger of allowing a young team to get a run on.
In the end he had little to worry about as Melton South was never in contention at Darley.
Edwards told his players post match he could not be happier with the effort and outcome.
“It was a really good effort.”
He said the win was reward for the hard work the players had put in over the pre-season.
Edwards said the game effectively ended the premiership celebration and now it was time to move on.
Darley had a bye in Saturday’s round one.
ROUND 1
Lake Wendouree v Redan (night)
Melton v Melton South (night)
Sebastopol v Ballarat
East Point v North Ballarat City,
Bacchus Marsh v Sunbury
