The Dubbo Demons don’t have to be reminded about the need to take the Young Saints seriously.
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The Saints have only won once in Central West AFL this season and despite the Demons being on the road this weekend, they will still start as overwhelming favourites.
But that was the occasion last year as well, when the Demons were also chasing a top three spot only to be beaten in a stunning upset at Burrangong Oval.
“They’re a really different side at home,” Bunt said of the Saints.
“But even when we’ve been at home they’ve always been a funny team for us and a bit of a bogey side.
We seem to lift against the top four sides but can’t play to our potential against Young and I can’t put my finger on why that is.
- Will Bunt
“We seem to lift against the top four sides but can’t play to our potential against Young and I can’t put my finger on why that is.”
Despite the challenge Young has posed in recent times, Bunt refused to look into it too much and was pleased to have a strong side at his disposal this weekend.
After a number of injuries affected the side during the middle of the season, players are starting to return, just in time for the club’s push to finish as high as it can on the ladder.
The fourth-placed Demons are all but certain to make finals, having to lose all three matches left to be any chance of missing out, but Bunt is looking up the ladder rather than down.
“We’re aiming to win every game from here and we know that’s a big ask but we want a top three, or even a top two, spot,” he said.
“There’s a bit of extra pressure on us but we’re aiming for the top two and that’s not beyond us if we play to our potential consistently.”
The fact Bunt and assistant Shayne Wilesmith haven’t been able to name the same lineup each week has been pointed to as a reason why the Demons have struggled for consistency in 2017.
Bunt Bunt feels players not sticking to the gameplan he has set down is also playing a role and has urged the Demons to stick to the orders at Young.
“We’ve just got to stick to it and I think a lot of it comes back to discipline,” he said.
“They can’t just go where they think they need to, need to stay in their position and play to the plan.”
The Saints head into the match on the back of a crushing loss to Bathurst Bushranger Outlaws.
That match was on the road, the Saints went down 24-14-158 to 7-6-48, and Young coach Brad McKinnon feels home ground advantage can make an impact.
“We can push Dubbo if we turn up on the day ready to play,” he said.
Play starts at 2.30pm.
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.
