It hasn’t been the ideal build-up to the 2018 Central West AFL season for the Dubbo Demons but it’s the same message coming from the mouth of coach Will Bunt.
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“We can beat anyone on our day. We just need to put it all together for four quarters,” he said.
Consistency has always been the issue for the Demons. Whether that be in their performance on the pitch or in terms of the lineup they put out from week to week.
Touted as a genuine premiership contender last season, the Demons were bundled out in week one of the semi-finals.
There’s not the same expectation around the club this season, which starts at South Dubbo Oval on Saturday for the Demons, with virtually an entire side of players having departed during the off-season.
The likes of Jono Naden and Ben Madigan are no longer in the lineup and at one stage during pre-season the Demons were in a dire situation in terms of players numbers.
“Numbers have been consistent at training but they haven’t been high,” Bunt said.
“We’ve had the same core group each week and then others come in and out. But, in saying that, the last couple of weeks things have been good.”
After such a disjointed pre-season, Bunt said he will need to see his side go up against each of the competition’s other five sides before he knows how his season will pan out.
And despite playing the Orange Tigers, who Bunt has labelled as favourites for the title, in round one this weekend, Bunt remains positive.
“We’ve got to be confident because if we’re not we will struggle,” he said ahead of Saturday’s game at South Dubbo Oval.
“You can’t beat yourself before you even go out there. We’ve lost a lot of players but we’ve picked up some quality players and it’s a really different side.
“I’m really interested to see how it goes because the structure is completely different.”
Tom Budd has returned to the side after missing last season while Bevan Charlton-White will be available each week after only playing a handful of games last season due to work commitments.
“He’s one of the best players you’ll see around here,” Bunt said of Charlton-White.
The likes of Mick Daly, Joey Hedger, Tom Skinner and Hamish Pearce will all be going around again this season under Bunt.
In terms of round one, Bunt singled out returning Orange star Tim Barry as the one his side must shut down.
Elsewhere in round one, the Bathurst Bushrangers derby sees the Outlaws taking on the Rebels while the Bathurst Giants host the Parkes Panthers.
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.
