In recent years the Dubbo Demons have featured in the Central West AFL (CWAFL) finals off the back of one or two wins due to the lack of teams in the competition.
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This year the club will again feature in the post-season but the circumstances are vastly different.
The restructured CWAFL was made up of eight teams this season and the Demons, who finished fourth, travel to Bathurst on Saturday to take on the Bushranger Rebels in the elimination semi-final.
“It’s been by default for the last few years but this year we well and truly earned the right to play finals and that instills confidence,” co-coach Will Bunt said.
“The blokes know they deserve to be there and it’s a good thing for the club because our women’s side is playing there too on Saturday.”
Bunt has seen that confidence grow throughout 2016.
Many saw the Demons as a side just expected to make up the numbers again this season but Bunt and fellow co-coach Mick Daly have instilled some steel in the side and there is real belief among the squad.
“We’ve tried to make it stand out that the boys have earned the right and deserve it, their performances have got them here,” he said.
“Now they’re starting to realise that and there’s some more confidence around.”
The Rebels and Demons have met twice previously this season.
On the first occasion, an understrength Dubbo outfit travelled to Bathurst and was handed a convincing 27.17.179 to 5.7.37 loss but the next time out the Demons were close to their best and ran out 15.14.104 to 14.7.94 winners.
“It’s no certainty for either side and whoever wins will have to earn it,” Bunt said.
“But the selection for our side was a nightmare this week. We had about 40 blokes so quite a few missed out and some had played well in key positions at different times.
“But, in saying that, it’s a really strong side and there’s a good mix of experience and youth.”
The experienced players will be vital at Bathurst, with Bunt singling out veterans Kim Woodman, Trevor Dutschke and Mick Haley as players capable of keeping the side composed while the leadership group of Nick O’Sullivan, Jono Naden and Ben Madigan will also be key.
In terms of the match itself, Bunt summed up his predictions in one word – fast.
“Bathurst has got a fast side and move the ball quickly,” he said.
“We’ll see how we can counteract that and we’ve got to be physical to take them off their game. I think we’re a more physical side and we can use that controlled aggression.”
The Demons play in the elimination final from 12.15pm at Bathurst’s George Park while the women meet Young from 1.45pm in their elimination match.
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.
