The Demons went down 23.21-159 to 8.8-56 in round one of the new Central West AFL season and Lyons said it was a good indicator of where the side is at, with numbers currently stretched across first grade and side's new Tier 2 reserve grade outfit.

"We just wanted to see how a few new guys went and test out how the legs were and where our fitness was at because you never know against the other teams about where you are sitting until you face them," he said.

"The Giants came out pretty ready. It's their home ground and they are keen to go one step further this year than they did last year so they are pretty motivated.

"In the scheme of our season, we weren't putting too much emphasis on the first few games, simply because we are trying to build up our ressies again and have a quality club."

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Lyons felt a handful of players were outstanding in a losing side with Dylan Fairall, Isaac Heath and Frankie Bright each kicking two goals.

"Lucas Howison was the stand-out and Joshua Anasis kicked a few goals and gave us a real target up front," he said.

"Frankie Bright was excellent, despite being 42 he still knows how to play the game and he really showed by example what we needed to do out there."

The Bushrangers were too strong for Orange in the Tier's other match.

Dubbo's reserve grade side also fell in their first match in the Tier 2 competition with several players being forced to back-up but Lyons is hopeful over the next month that players will become available for both sides.

"I think we had 26 guys travel for the weekend, that's why it was always going to be a tough start but we have the numbers on the books and hopefully we can get them out on the paddock soon which we are working on," he said.

The women's Dubbo side were outclassed by a strong Bathurst Giants side in the grand final rematch with the final score 9.4-58 to 2.7-19.

Lauren Hazell kicked both goals for the beaten side.

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