When the Dubbo Demons first had a women’s side running out during the 2015 Central West AFL season, there was sometimes less than 10 players and they wore left over or discarded jumpers from the men.
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Fast forward to today, and the Demons women are bathing in grand final glory and have been described as the “heart” of the club.
The Demons produced a mighty effort on Saturday, downing the Bathurst Giants in the grand final despite having just 13 players available.
The Giants had 10 players on their bench for much of the game and led going into the final term before the Demons rallied and scored a 3.5.23 to 2.4.16.
“The women have become the heart of the club,” Demons president Nick Lowther said.
“Since moving into the single tier (competition) and incorporating the women they’ve become a big part of the public face of the club.
“The men are still the tradition but the women just have this tremendous heart and spirit that has kept us moving forward during the past four years.”
That was when the women’s side began. In 2015 there was less than 10 players to start and they were wearing men’s jumpers.
“Now they’ve got their own kits, their own sponsors.”
That heart and spirit Lowther spoke of was on full display on Saturday.
Led by best on ground Emily Warner, her co-captain Caroline McGrath, and Lauren Hazell, the Demons produced the type of gutsy effort which has typified their season.
For most of the year the side has been short on troops, but still managed to finish the regular season in second spot before downing the Bathurst Bushrangers in the major semi-final to earn passage to the decider.
That effort was something McGrath touched on during the post-game presentation.
“We’ve struggled a bit at times this year for numbers and we’ve always had to put in 110 or even 120 percent some games because we were short,” she said.
“But everyone put in their absolute best today.
“I can’t believe how great everyone played in that last quarter. There was a few girls crying but it’s all worth it.”
The win didn’t just mean a lot for those 13 players who took part on Saturday, but for so many others involved with the club.
Lowther said former players and life members have taken a real interest in the women’s side since it’s inception, while the Demons’ male players have been helping out at training and on game day throughout the season.
However, it may be too soon to talk about any possible dynasty for the Demons. A number of the side’s leading players are expected to leave the club for reasons varying from moving away from Dubbo to long-term overseas holidays.
“It’s time for a new generation to come through,” Lowther added.
Before then, the Demons will celebrate their achievements at end of season presentation night at the South Dubbo Tavern on Friday night.
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.
