COACH Anthony Dennis says fierce competition for spots has helped drive Calivil United’s strong start to the Loddon Valley league season.
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Highlighting the depth the Demons have on their list this year, both their senior and reserves teams are unbeaten and on top of the ladder entering round eight.
“Last week we had about 14 players out injured from both teams and we still had a couple of guys missing out in the reserves,” Dennis said on Friday.
“It’s a good position to be at the moment… we’ve got really good numbers and players fighting for spots, which is what you want.”
The Demons are pitted in the match of the round on Saturday against Bears Lagoon-Serpentine in what’s a clash of first versus second.
While the Demons were touted pre-season to again be right in the thick of the action at the business end come September, the Bears have undoubtedly been the story of the year so far.
Having endured a winless 2016 with an average losing margin of 67 points, the Bears go into Saturday with a 5-1 record in what has been a stunning resurgence.
“We’ll be ready for Serp to throw everything at us. From what I understand they are a quick team, so it’s going to be interesting to see how both team’s running games go against each other,” Dennis said.
“We’re really pleased so far that everything has gone to plan.
“Last Saturday (103-point win over Marong) was probably our best performance so far and set a bit of a benchmark for us, so we’ll be looking to continue that this week against Serp.”
• Saturday’s games – Calivil United v BL-Serpentine, Newbridge v Marong, Inglewood v Mitiamo, Maiden Gully YCW Eagles v Pyramid Hill. Bridgewater bye.