DESPITE losing their trial game by almost 50 points against Tumbarumba, the Dubbo Demons remain confident of success with the return of their more experienced players once the regular season begins.
Defence was definitely one of the stronger points in the trial game against the Kangaroos on Saturday and Dubbo's back-line was "quite good", according to senior coach Kim Woodman.
Tumbarumba came with a relatively strong outfit and had seven players from their 2012 first-grade team play in the twilight game at South Dubbo Oval.
"During the game I spoke to the Tumbarumba coach and he told me who the players were and we could see how strong they were on the field," Woodman said.
"Our back-line played well but it was our mid-fielders who needed to improve their fitness and skills."
Shaun Coyle, he said, was good in the back line, David Batten as a half-back flank and Mick Daly as center half-back.
"Our back six played consistently throughout the game.
"Tumbarumba had a strong line-up. They were above us in terms of two goals ahead of each quarter. In the end we were down by eight goals and lost by 48 points," Woodman said.
The Kangaroos kicked 12 goals to Dubbo's five.
Woodman said that with the return of six of their regular first graders, the Demons may be held in higher stead to win future games.
Last Modified on 28/03/2013 15:24