For the first time in the match’s existence, the Demons defeated Tumbarumba in the Isaac Cornell Memorial Shield game.

The match, contested to honour a player who represented both clubs, finished 18.6.114 to 12.12.84 in favour of the home side at South Dubbo Oval.

“Match fitness is going to be a big thing for us and so is the physicality of a game,” Demons coach Will Bunt said.

“You can do a lot at training but nothing matches being out there and it’s good because we’ve got a week or two break now before round one.

“We’ll be really ready to go and I think we’re going to hit the ground running.”

As well as being a promising win for Bunt and the club, the win also meant a lot to a number of Demons players and supporters.

The Isaac Cornell Shield match has been going for close to a decade now and Saturday’s win marked the first time the Demons have ever held the Shield aloft.

“There’s a few players who played with him and unfortunately there was a few of the old players who couldn’t make it back on the weekend,” Bunt said.

“But there’s a few few who used to be involved with him.”

Bunt described the Demons’ performance as surprising, as he didn’t expect his side to play so well first up in warm conditions at South Dubbo Oval.

A number of new recruits and younger players impressed with former Parkes star Jake Adams named best on ground for his efforts while Bailey Delaney booted six goals for the victors.

Other players also shone in positions that were new to them, as Bunt tinkered with his lineup.

“A lot of the blokes went how I expected and some exceeded what I was hoping,” Bunt said, adding the fact up to 12 players were unavailable is further proof the Demons have the potential to push for the title in 2017.

“It was a really good hit out and a good sign to beat a side like Tumbarumba, they are really good side.”