As disappointing as the weekend's loss was for the Dubbo Demons, coach Terry Lyons can see his side progressing and feels that potential will soon turn to points.
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The Demons were hopeful of a first AFL Central West win for 2021 when they welcomed the Orange Tigers to South Dubbo Oval on Saturday, but it wasn't to be as the visitors ran out 10.11.71 to 7.8.50 victors.
The positive signs in attack were again there, despite missing a few chances in the match, but the new strategy Lyons has brought in this season is still coming together on the defensive end.
When the Tigers were able to quickly get the ball to forward Todd Fagan on Saturday he made the most of it and the big man finished the match with an impressive eight-goal haul.
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"Our offensive game worked quite well. The defensive game let us down," Lyons admitted.
"The backs didn't play badly, but our overall defensive plan is not sorted yet.
"The teamwork and way the guys play together is really, really good. It's a big change from the last couple of years and we're still working out the strategy.
"It's still early days in terms of change and building the club to where we've been working to. But the signs are there and it will be paying off, hopefully, sooner rather than later."
The hosts began well on Saturday and were strong in the ruck and middle in the field but were unable to convert that into a strong lead early on.
Orange shuffled their pack and got right back into the contest, and once they were able to build some momentum Fagan starred and powered the Tigers to the 21-point victory.
The Demons face a mighty challenge at home against this weekend as they take on the unbeaten Bathurst Bushrangers.
The Bathurst side scored an 85-point win in the prior meeting between the two in round of this season but even in that match Lyons felt there was positives for his side.
He also has no doubts about his side's attitude as the feeling around the club is positive, especially after two wins were recorded over Orange on Saturday.
"It (the loss) was really disappointing and the boys took it on the chin. But overall, reserves and the ladies had really good wins, the ladies especially.
"The mood is good from what I can see. There's support and desire to do well and hopefully that will translate into results soon."
If the Demons are to cause a shock against the Bushrangers, Isaac Heath and Mick Daly will have to shine again.
The pair were singled out for praise by Lyons for their efforts against the Tigers.
"Isaac Heath, he's a new recruit and had been a real asset. He's playing in the backline and creating a late of opportunities. He's a high quality player," Lyons said, before mentioning Daly.
"The stalwart. He's gone back to playing where he was in his mid-20s when he's now mid-30s. He's back in the centre and he's adapted to our play really well."
As Lyons mentioned, the Demons women were hugely impressive on the weekend.
Last season's runners-up scored a 100-point victory over the Tigresses, with Trudy Sloane leading the way with four goals while Lauren Hazell and Em Warner kicked three each.
The men's Tier 2 side defeated Orange 8.13.61 to 5.8.38.
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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.
