A DEJECTED Dubbo Demons outfit claimed a consolation prize in the last round of the AFL Central West season by picking up a comfortable victory over a travelling Bathurst Giants on Saturday.
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In a lightning-shortened affair the Demons came away with a 9-10-64 to 4-3-27 win at South Dubbo Oval.
Unfortunately for the home side their finals hopes were shattered before the opening whistle when news had reached the ground about the Bathurst Bushrangers Outlaws’ stunning win over minor premiers Orange Tigers.
That result left the Demons unable to climb above fifth on the ladder but it didn’t stop them putting in a spirited performance against a weakened Giants squad.
Demons’ Bevan Charlton-White finished his season on a high note by booting seven goals before lightning stopped the match shortly after three-quarter time.
Giants coach Mark Kennedy said while his team’s focus had already turned to finals before the first possession on Saturday’s game his squad showed some hunger for the ball in patches.
“We’d rested a few players and they got out to a good start and just played better wet-weather football,” he said.
“I think our thoughts were already on the next game … but it was still quite a physical contest. We have a couple of niggling injuries out of it and we’ll see how they go during the week.
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“Like all players they want to play finals, so no matter what happens they’re going to make themselves available.”
Kennedy said the injuries and absentees in his team gave some players an opportunity to shine in different positions.
“Dylan Furnell had a blinder in the ruck and he may end up my starting ruckman for the finals, because he made his presence felt around the ground,” he said.
“Scott Traves went into the backline and took some great marks. He had a great physical presence back there.”
Giants will now play host to the Outlaws in their first ever senior finals match this Saturday.
DUBBO DEMONS 9-10-64 (Bevan Charlton-White 7, Michael Haley, Tom Budd) def BATHURST GIANTS 4-3-27 (Oscar Mann 2, Riley Mitchell, Nic Broes)
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