The last couple of weeks are a time the Dubbo Demons would rather forget but this Saturday could be one the side, in particular Mick Daly, remembers for years to come.
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After a tumultuous period which resulted in coach Steve Smith stepping down from his role after being suspended by AFL Central West, long serving player and assistant coach Mick Daly stepped up to the top job.
Daly will lead his side in Saturday's final round fixture against the Bathurst Giants and there's a huge amount of motivation for player and team.
Saturday's game will be Daly's 100th as a Demon and a win over the Giants would secure second spot and hosting rights for the following weekend's semi-final.
"You've got to take accolades when you can and I'm pretty proud of it," Daly said of the occasion.
"I've enjoyed playing for the Demons and I feel like it's a bit of a well done to myself and I know the boys want to step up for it.
"It's a bit of extra motivation, if they needed any."
As a former coach and captain of the Demons it hasn't been too much of a strain for Daly to step into the role of player-coach.
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There's been no "reinventing the wheel" at training in the past week and the brand of football seen on Saturday will be much-like that which has been on show all season.
"It's no different to be asked to play a different position," Daly said of stepping up.
"The club asked me and I said 'yes'. We've got a good, ingrained leadership group and everyone has input, and there's a good culture so while I might be at the head there's a lot under me who are contributing just as much. But it's definitely a good opportunity. It's something I've done before and something I enjoy."
The Giants, for all their success since entering the league in 2016, are still yet to score a win at South Dubbo Oval.
Keeping that record intact puts further fire in the belly of the Dubbo players while the chance to build momentum is also key.
The Dubbo side flew out of the blocks this season and won its first three games but there hasn't been a victory since August 1.
"We understand momentum and know if we win they come here next weekend and if we lose we go there next weekend," Daly said.
"This is probably the strongest squad we've got so it's time for the footy to do the talking.
"No more about what's happened or how good we can be. That's all over over and it's based on the field now."
Daly added the work in the middle and his side's physical nature will be key.
Much like the Demons, the Giants have a steely focus heading into the crucial fixture.
"The home ground advantage for the prelim would definitely help, so we'll be throwing everything we can at them this week and hopefully get the win. But we know Dubbo are a really good side, so we'll have to throw our best at them," the Giants' Sam Sloan said.
Play starts 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.
