The Dubbo Demons overcame some horrible conditions to score a win on Saturday but it mattered little as the final round results had no impact on the Central West AFL ladder.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Demons traveled to Parkes in the final round and it proved to be the only match of the weekend which went ahead as the road closures caused by snow around the region forced the cancellation of games in Bathurst and Cowra.
That meant the ladder stayed as it was, with the Dubbo now facing a minor semi-final in Bathurst after finishing the regular season in fourth spot.
They go into that game on the back of a win, albeit it a hugely scrappy one.
The wind was blowing a gale at Northparkes Oval and that had a severe affect on things as the Demons scored a 5.9.39 to 4.13.37 victory.
"The wind was howling," Demons coach Shayne Wilesmith said.
"I don't think you could have hit the scoreboard from 25 metres out. There was only about 10 goals kicked and I'd say five of them were kicked in off the ground.
"If you kicked it in the air it almost ended up behind you it was that windy."
Leading goal-kickers Bevan Charlton-White and Tom Budd kicked two each in the low-scoring affair while Jayden Wallace booted the other.
The Demons trailed after the first quarter but took a five-point lead into the main break and then held on from there, stopping the Panthers from recording just a third win of the season.
The win itself might not have been too eye-catching, but getting away with all the points and a clean bill of health was the main thing.
"We struggled a little with numbers due to some players pulling out late because of personal circumstances," Wilesmith said.
"So we were lacking players and quality. We played the game at their level, it was nowhere near the level we can play at.
"The conditions weren't conducive to quality football but we played at an even lower level.
"But we got up in the end."
Wilesmith said there was some frustration post-game as Central West AFL revealed it was considering rescheduling the abandoned games a week later.
If you kicked it in the air it almost ended up behind you ...
- Demons coach Shayne Wilesmith
That would, in turn, push finals back a week and Wilesmith stated a number of players had already changed their own schedules to make sure they were free for the pre-determined weekends.
However, it mattered little as the idea was scrapped and confirmation of finals this weekend came through.
That means sudden death footy for the Demons from now on, with a trip to Bathurst this weekend to take on the Giants.
The two sides have already met twice this season with the home side winning on each occasion.
"We know we can match them," Wilesmith said.
"But I think this is going to be the first time all season we've had a full squad so that's a good thing."
Do you want more sport from the Dubbo region? Sign up to our newsletters here:
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.
