BATHURST Bushrangers may be favourites for this Saturday's AFL Central West clash at home, but there playing a Dubbo Demons side who look more capable of causing an upset at George Park 2 then they have done in recent times.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Bushrangers know they can't afford to lose the positive, aggressive streak that they've developed over the past few weeks as they take on a Demons team breaking into rare territory - a potential fourth successive victory.
Fresh off a much-needed and emphatic win over Orange Tigers, Bushies co-coach Matt Archer has been pleased by the mentality his club have brought to the park over the last fortnight.
"We have to be at our absolute best. We're edging closer and closer to that. Our attitude has definitely improved. If we can bring our best attitude then we back ourselves to be thereabouts in every game," he said.
"Against Dubbo, who have won three in a row - including against us and Giants - they'll be coming over here with all the confidence that they'll be able to get the win."
Bushrangers are attempting to turn around the result from their previous game against the Demons, a 38-point loss that would kick start Dubbo's winning run.
- READ MORE: AFL Central West: Promoted young gun Hamish Alexander is firing for the Bathurst Bushrangers
- READ ALSO: AFL Central West: Bathurst Bushrangers return to form in 117-39 win over Orange Tigers
- READ ALSO: AFL Central West: Bathurst Giants' poor discipline leads to defeat at hands of Dubbo Demons
Getting the better of the Demons used to revolve around cutting down their entries into the forward 50m but Archer said the defensive effort in the midfield has to step up even more in 2021.
"Probably what Dubbo missed last year was a genuine midfielder, someone who can break the game open, but they've picked up a couple now and it's given them some consistency that they didn't have at the start of the season," he said.
"They've always had a dangerous forward line that's hard to match up on because they're so tall and athletic. It will all start from our midfield, who have to have a bit of mongrel and aggression going forward.
"If we get beaten in the midfield then there's the chance they could put on a decent score against us."
Adrian Hickey is a significant return for the Bushrangers as they look to keep pace with the Giants, who sit one win clear of them at the top of the table.
The match gets underway from 2.15pm.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.westernadvocate.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News