Dubbo Demons co-coach Mick Daly has been there through the tough times with his club which makes the current Central West AFL streak all the more enjoyable.
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The Demons scored their sixth consecutive win on Saturday when they accounted for the third-placed Bathurst Bushranger Rebels 15-14-104 to 14-7-91.
It has been more than a decade since the club went on a run of success even close to the current one with wooden spoons more common than back-to-back wins in recent times.
“It’s just the biggest turnaround,” Daly said.
“Personally I’m glad after putting the work in over the past couple of years but more so I’m pleased for the boys who have been out there getting pumped for the past four or five years. They’re just getting to experience this.”
Saturday’s win, which cemented the Demons’ hold on fourth spot, was again different to the five previous with the Rebels making the Dubbo club work right until the end at South Dubbo Oval.
After leading by 11 at half time, the hosts led by 40 points during the third before the Rebels came roaring back in the fourth quarter.
But the Demons, led by five goals from Brendan Garlett and another assured display from Jono Naden, held them off and won by 13 points.
"They put an excellent side on the paddock, a really well rounded team and we knew it was going to be tough especially being played in Dubbo where they'd have everyone available," Rebels forward Jack Vogan, who kicked five goals in the loss, said.
The win was even sweeter for Daly given it was his first back after recovering a broken leg suffered earlier in the season while it was also pleasing due to the fact the conditions were far different to previous weeks.
“It was a little bit wet but nowhere near like other weeks so it was good to show we’re not just wet weather experts,” Daly said, before praising Garlett.
“He just takes grabs. When the ball goes in towards him nine times out of 10 he takes the grab and he’s just got such good body work.
“He missed a couple early so he could have even kicked seven or eight. He’s been a great addition this year.”
Up next for the Dubbo club is a clash with the competition leading Bathurst Bushranger Outlaws.