Every side dreams of winning the premiership and Dubbo Demons coach Lachy Ewart wants that for his side this year, but he also knows just securing a place in the finals series is an almighty achievement.
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The Demons women booked their place in the semi-final on Saturday, overcoming a slow start to defeat the Orange Tigers 6.4.40 to 4.1.25.
It was all on the line in the final round fixture at South Dubbo Oval, with the winner advancing to a semi-final meeting with the Bathurst Bushrangers while a loss would mean season over.
But, on the back of strong defensive pressure, impressive ball movement and three goals from Lauren Hazell the Demons booked a spot in the final three in their first year back in the competition.
"I think it's a huge achievement," Ewart said, the Demons women folding last year due to a lack of players.
"It's a really good reflection of the culture we're starting to build and the work the leadership group has done.
"It's not only about the results. It's about setting up the culture for next season and the one after. The new girls have come in and played really well so we're stoked to play finals but we're already setting our sights on next year."
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It looked like the Demons might have only had next season to look forward to after the first quarter on Saturday.
The Tigers booted two goals while keeping the hosts scoreless to take control of the match early.
Orange booted another major in the second quarter but the Demons soon began to get into the contest.
"The last 10 minutes of the second quarter we were able to able to impact the scoreboard and then in the second half we continued that momentum when the game was in the balance.
"We played the game on our terms."
What followed was some of the Demons' best play of the season.
They trailed by four at half-time before three third-quarter goals resulted in them building a lead over the Tigers and they went on with the job in the final term to complete a 15-point win.
"It was definitely our best performance of the season, no doubt," Ewart added.
"We moved the ball really cleanly and efficiently and the defensive running was nice to see and we shut them down."
While delighted with the consistency and quality shown all over the park, there was a few players who the coach singled out.
One of those was Hazell after kicking the game-high three majors but it was much more than her quality in front of goal which stood out.
"Lauren has pushed up the ground a bit more the last few weeks and the rewards came," Ewart said.
"She did kick three goals but her play up the ground and the link-up play was really good.
"Em (Warner) our captain and Bec (Wilde) our vice-captain in midfield were really good and Grace (McLachlan), one of the new players this year, dropped into the centre-half back role because of injuries and was huge."
As good as his side was on Saturday, Ewart added they would need to improve again in Saturday's semi-final against the Bushrangers.
The winner of that game will play the Bathurst Giants in the grand final.
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.
