The Dubbo Demons scored one point in the first quarter on Saturday, were down by more than 30 at half-time, and kicked just six goals in what was the side's first loss of the AFL Central West season.
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But coach Steve Smith wasn't fazed in the slightest after the 16.10.106 to 6.6.42 defeat.
If anything, he was looking forward to the next meeting with the Bathurst Bushrangers with great excitement.
"With a full side I've got no doubt we can knock them off next time we play them and that was the general feeling among the boys," he said.
"I'm not trying to make excuses but we had 10 unavailable through work and other things so I was rapt with how we went.
"I didn't the score was a true reflection of the game."
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Some Dubbo players were forced to pull out on Saturday morning for various reasons and things got so bad Smith was doing a ring-around just hours before the game started to fill his squad.
With so many players in different positions and new combinations all over the park the Demons began slowly at South Dubbo Oval while the Bushrangers, who also went into the match undefeated after three rounds, had no such issue.
The score was 3.3.21 to 0.1.1 after the first quarter and that lead grew in the second term.
The game was well out of the Demons' reach at three-quarter time as the Bushrangers led 11.9.75 to 3.4.22 but Smith's troops didn't throw in the towel and went on to win the final quarter.
"We were never in it but we were also never out of it," the coach said.
"I was very, very happy. Yes, we lost but I'm really confident if we can get a full side."
Smith insisted he learnt more on Saturday than he could after any win, with some players shining in new positions while others were caught off guard.
Mitch Russo is one of the Demons who may have a new home after he put in a huge amount of work at full forward.
Smith described his performance as "sensational" while he also hailed the performance and toughness of Cameron Hellinga.
Joey Hedger and Harley Bye were others who impressed despite being played away from their regular positions.
The Bushrangers are now a win clear at the top of the ladder while the Demons are second, two wins ahead of the Bathurst Giants.
The Giants defeated Orange on Saturday and the Demons meet the winless Tigers again next weekend.
Much like the men's side, the Demons women will also be looking to bounce back next weekend.
In what was a tough day out at South Dubbo Oval on Saturday, the Demons women were also defeated by the Bushrangers.
The Lady Bushrangers proved too good in the wet and cold conditions, running out 3.4.22 to 2.3.15 victors to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.
The Demons women are fourth on the ladder after the one win from four rounds to start the campaign.
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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.
