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Dubbo Demons continued their impressive late-season form with victories across multiple grades on the weekend.
Highlights included the Tier Two Men's minor premiership success, a special milestone for Senior Women's star Molly Mayall, and strong wins from both junior teams.
The Tier Two Men secured the minor premiership after another complete team performance, continuing a season that has seen the group steadily develop into one of the competition's most consistent sides.
Every player contributed to the victory, but it was once again the Demons' defensive efforts that laid the foundation for success. Throughout the season the backline has been the cornerstone of the team's performance, and that trend continued on the weekend.
While the forward line provided plenty of excitement, the commitment to defending as a team proved the difference. As the finals approach, the Demons have built a reputation for winning contests through pressure, discipline and teamwork.
Darcy Fairman was once again among the side's best performers. Fairman continues to impress with his ability to glide through traffic and create opportunities, drawing comparisons to a young Marcus Bontempelli with his smooth movement and football awareness.
The forward line is also beginning to hit peak form at the right time of year. Ricky, Ned and Kain combined strongly throughout the match, providing a constant target inside attacking 50. Their connection and ability to impact the scoreboard have become a major weapon for the Demons and have drawn comparisons to Fremantle's exciting forward combination.
Behind the ball, Skinner has elevated his game over the past month and has become one of the team's key leaders alongside the ever-reliable Herdy. Their leadership and defensive accountability have helped establish a backline that is proving difficult for opposition teams to break down.
With the minor premiership secured, the focus now turns to the finals series. The equation is simple for the Tier Two Men; two more wins stand between them and a premiership.
The Senior Women also delivered a memorable performance, defeating the Panthers 11.6 (72) to 1.0 (6) in a match that celebrated a significant milestone for one of the club's most respected young players.
At just 19 years of age, Molly Mayall ran out for her 100th club game, having split her century of appearances almost evenly between junior and senior football. A long-time focal point in the Demons' forward line, Mayall has been a key contributor to the women's program for several years and the team was determined to make the day a memorable one.
The Demons started strongly, kicking three first-quarter goals, including two from Mayall and one from captain Kris following her Channel 7 interview earlier that morning.
With the breeze in the second term, Dubbo took control of the contest, adding four more goals and opening up a commanding lead.
The biggest celebration came during the third quarter when Mayall kicked her fifth goal of the afternoon, bringing up her 100th club goal in her 100th club game a remarkable achievement that was warmly celebrated by teammates, coaches and supporters.
While the forwards enjoyed plenty of success, Sammi Howard was outstanding across half-back. Her attack on the football, willingness to take the game on and ability to drive the ball forward repeatedly helped set up scoring opportunities and maintain the Demons' dominance throughout the match.
The victory sets up a blockbuster clash with the Bathurst Bushrangers this weekend, with the minor premiership on the line just one week before finals begin.
The club's junior teams also continued their excellent seasons with convincing wins.
The Under 12s defeated the Bathurst Giants 91 to 55, with Bayden leading the way with five goals while Kye and Ryan each added three majors in a strong attacking display.
The Under 14s recorded a 64 to 14 victory over Bathurst, with Lachie Brown kicking three goals as the side secured its place in the finals.
With every grade producing strong performances and finals football just around the corner, excitement continues to build throughout the Dubbo Demons community as the club prepares for what promises to be an exciting August finals campaign.

