AUSTRALIAN RULES
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THE first big hurdle of season 2014 is out of the way for the Bathurst Bushrangers, but when they return from the Easter break to face the Dubbo Demons tomorrow, they will be just as keen to impress.
The Bathurst side scored a 39-point win over the Orange Tigers in their opening fixture of the Central West AFL season two weeks ago.
Given the Tigers stopped Bathurst from claiming an undefeated premiership in 2013 and had recruited well for this season, it was a match many thought would offer an early form line for this season.
That win in the grand final rematch means Bushrangers co-coach Brett Archer will go into tomorrow’s game with confidence.
“I’m very pleased with how the boys played. They put in a lot more than I expected from them. They really out muscled Orange in the middle,” he said.
“We’re just after some consistency with our form. Because of the Easter break and the holidays, a lot of people are away so the younger guys will have to step up.”
Bushrangers ran away with the match in the final quarter against Orange as the Tigers switched off. It highlighted how much work Bathurst has put into their fitness levels.
Archer likes what he sees with his team’s cohesion thus far based on their pre-season efforts and the win.
“It’s a good, tight group. They’re all in their early to mid 20s, with a few exceptions, so they’ve all got some shared interests and they get on well.
“It such a good all-round performance from everyone ... Tim Hunter took so many high marks. We thought we would have struggled in our centre contests but Steve Grundy’s filled that role well. Peter Yandle on the wing ran all day, he never came off.”
The last time the Bushrangers lined up against Dubbo they came away victorious. But Archer won’t look back on history for comfort ahead of tomorrow’s match, praising Dubbo’s fighting qualities.
“Dubbo’s not going to be a walkover in Dubbo. They don’t travel too well but when they’re playing at home, they can be hard to beat,” he said.
Dubbo also have just a single match to their name so far and no football for three weeks. Their one match against Young was a welcome start though with a 206-39 score line in their favour.
Tomorrow’s match begins at 2.30pm.