Bruthen and Swifts Creek will clash in the Omeo and District Football Netball League elimination final on Saturday at the Lindenow South Recreation Reserve.
Winless in 2022, the Bulldogs have made their way through to the elimination final for the second straight year, winning seven games this season, hoping to emulate last year’s effort where the beat Buchan by two points.
The reigning premier, Swifts Creek, were a slow starter to the season after losing the nucleus of last year’s premiership side in the off-season, but they have rallied in the second half of the season and will go into the finals with plenty of confidence.
Since losing to Bruthen in round 12, the Demons have defeated Lindenow South, Swan Reach and Buchan.
The sides have met three times throughout the season, resulting in wins to the Bulldogs by 81 points (round two) and 10 points (round 12), while the sides drew in round seven.
With a mounting injury toll, the Bulldogs have been beaten in the final two rounds of the season by Omeo Benambra and wooden spoon side, Swan Reach.
Key players such as Matt Arnold, Caleb Marsh and Brodie Matthews have been on the sidelines.
The last time the two sides met in round 12 the Demons were forced, due to unavailabilities, to play too many talls, which hurt them on the day.
They will be hoping to welcome back players such as Ben Commins and Richard Crabtree this week to allow them to play coach, Conor Harvey, in the forward 50, which usually sees the Demons play their best football.
Giant Demons ruckman Andrew Sandy will again be the key player, the Bulldogs hopeful that Marsh may be back to at least make a contest.
It’s an intriguing clash, with no second chances.
