This season has been far from what Will Bunt and the Dubbo Demons have wanted but the experienced coach says his side’s campaign is far from over.
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The Demons struggled massively for consistency, in terms of players and form, early in the season but there were glimpses of the side’s best in last weekend’s morale-boosting win over the Parkes Panthers.
That was just the second win of the season for the Demons but despite that Bunt’s men sit just one win outside finals places.
The side in the all-important fourth spot is Bathurst Bushranger Outlaws and that’s who the Demons host this weekend.
“We’ve got such a good side on paper and so much talent but we’re not showing it,” Bunt said.
“What went against us early was we had really low numbers at training so blokes weren’t working together and there was a lack of fitness. We’ve used over 50 players already this season and some games there’s been 10 changes from the week before.
“This week there’s only two or three so that’s a huge factor. Blokes can play themselves into a position and get familiar with the blokes around them.
“Then we can show the sort of talent we’ve got and put some wins on the board.”
Bunt has no doubt a number of his rivals have written the Demons off purely because of the way they started the season but he said his side goes into this weekend with confidence and some momentum.
Playing at home is also an advantage for the Dubbo side, however Bunt knows his side must be wary in what is arguably the Demons’ most important game of the season up to now.
“If we get a win we’re even (with Outlaws) and then we just need to work on for and against,” he said.
“So that gives us a chance. But if we lose we probably drop too far away so it’s a big game for us.”
Bunt was also eager to point out Dubbo won just two of its opening six games in 2015 before making a charge all the way to the semi-finals.
“We shouldn’t be counted out,” he added.
The decision to switch Bevan Charlton-White to centre-half forward proves a masterstroke last week as he booted six goals in the win over the Panthers.
He will be key again at South Dubbo Oval on Saturday afternoon while Bunt is also keen to see how new recruit Chris Hinchley can have, having previously played in the strong Riverina competition with Temora.
The Outlaws come into Saturday’s game having suffered a 39-point loss to the Bathurst Giants last weekend.
The Outlaws only managed to boot seven goals that day and Bunt knows shutting the Bathurst side down is key to his side’s hopes.
Play starts at 2.30pm on Saturday.