DUBBO Demons co-coach Will Bunt insists his side has learnt from their opening day loss and are heading into this weekend's clash with the Cowra Blues full of confidence.
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The Demons' 2016 campaign began with a 34-point loss to the Parkes Panthers last week and on Saturday they would return to the action at South Dubbo Oval.
Despite the loss, combined with Cowra's massive win over the Bathurst Giants, Bunt said his side was ready to record its first win of the season.
"Very confident," he said.
"Especially after last weekend where it was disappointing to lose but we'll go forward.
"We're still confident and put some things in place so now we've just got to go out and do it."
The Demons were behind after every quarter last weekend but it was only in the final quarter when the Panthers really kicked away.
Brendon Garlett kicked three goals for the home team while Steve Smith, Chris Sewell, Malachi Dutschke, Jono Naden, Trevor Green and captain and co-coach Mick Daly all contributed one each.
"Jono Naden, who made the move from Broken Hill, was a standout," Bunt said in relation to last week.
"Joe Hedger was good, Malachi Dutschke and a new player to the game Dale Malcolmsen in just his second game, he's getting better every time he gets the football in hand.
"Tom Budd from Cobar was good in his first game for us too."
Bunt admitted Cowra were a bit of an unknown for him, with the Blues side now having a new coach and a number of new faces compared to years gone by.
Mark Dixon now leads the Blues and Bunt expects the first quarter on Saturday to consist of the two sides feeling each other out.
"I think the first few minutes we'll get a look at them and see what they're like but it will be interesting because the last few years we've come to know how they play," he said.
The handballing and defence pleased Bunt last week and he stated the tackling was as good as he had seen from a Demons side in recent years.
That will be needed again on Saturday after Cowra kicked 21 goals in their 58-point mauling of the Giants last week.
"It was good to see the game because you can train for months and months but until you're out on the field you don't know what you need to work on," he said.
"But we've worked on some things and made some improvements.
"We've got a few players in and a couple out this week so we're constantly evolving in how we do things."
First bounce on Saturday is at 2.30pm at South Dubbo Oval.
