The Dubbo Demons proved they were well and truly over a disappointing loss to last placed Young on Saturday when they handed the Cowra Blues just their second loss of the season.
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The 12.12.84 to 7.7.49 win, in the final round of the Central West AFL 2016 regular season, ensured the Demons finished fourth on the ladder and will now meet the Bathurst Bushranger Rebels in next weekend’s minor semi-final.
“It was just a complete form reversal from the loss to Young and everyone contributed,” co-coach Will Bunt said.
“The whole 18 guys and six on the bench, there wasn’t one person who didn’t do their job and contribute to the win.”
While the win was one of the Demons’ best of 2016 and the perfect confidence builder heading into the finals, Bunt said it still wasn’t the complete performance.
And to him, that’s a good thing.
“It might sound strange but it was pleasing that there were some things we didn’t do well,” he said.
“We can still play play better and we haven’t reached our potential and that’s a good thing because we know we haven’t peaked. If we do, we’ll play a few more games this year yet.”
Dubbo’s inaccuracy in front of goal was an issue early on as they got out to a 6-0 lead courtesy of six wayward behinds.
It was still game on at quarter time with the home side only up by 12, but Demons found their range in the second.
Dubbo kicked four goals and two behinds to Cowra’s pair of behinds and went into the main break with a 45-9 lead.
Cowra won the third quarter and began the fourth with plenty of intensity but two quick goals from influential midfielder Tom Budd took the game out of reach.
“Tom kicked three goals but two were in the last quarter when they (Cowra) came out hard and it just calmed us down,” Bunt said.
Jono Naden and Brendan Garlett also kicked three goals each while Nick O’Sullivan chipped in with two in the 35-point victory.
For Cowra, who were slightly understrength for the match, Nathan Worth again starred. The competition’s leading goal kicker booted five of the Blues’ seven majors to keep his side within touching distance at different stages of the match.
“Cowra have only had two losses this year and both have been against us,” Bunt said, before turning his eye towards the do-or-die clash with the Rebels.
“Mick (co-coach Mick Daly) and I have already said when we get together on Thursday it’s going to be really difficult to pick the right team.”
While the Demons face the Rebels, the Tigers meet minor premiers Bathurst Bushranger Outlaws for a spot in the decider.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
