THREE weeks ago Daylesford’s place in the Central Highlands Football League top eight was under threat.
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The Bulldogs’ form was inconsistent and there was a genuine question mark as to whether they were a worthy finalist.
How times have changed.
The Bulldogs go into the start of the finals series on the back of three-straight wins, including an upset win over fourth-placed Waubra last Saturday.
The 13.9 (87) to 10.8 (68) win has the Bulldogs full of confidence going into Saturday’s elimination final clash Buninyong at Waubra.
“I thought we’d be really competitive against Waubra, but to come away with a really good win was very pleasing,’’ Daylesford coach Joel Adams said.
“We ran them off their legs. The young blokes have really taken a step up in the past few weeks and it’s made a big difference.
“It’s amazing what confidence can do to a young side.
“I’m hoping we can ride that momentum into next week. Hopefully, the young guys take the game on like they did on Saturday.”
A five-goal to one second quarter set up the win over Waubra.
The Bulldogs led by 22 points at the main break before the Roos made a charge in the second half.
“They got back within nine points a couple of times and it looked as though they might challenge us,’’ Adams said.
“To our boys’ credit they stuck at it and we kicked away again.”
Daylesford’s backline was superb against Waubra, with back pocket Jesse Browne and full-back James Evans instrumental in the win.
Under-18 player Will Austin was brilliant on his wing, while half-forward Seb Walsh bagged five goals.
Big men Scott Winduss and Max Risstrom kicked five goals between them.
In more good news for the Bulldogs, key duo Rob Rogers and Cade O’Brien look set to return for the elimination final against Buninyong.
“It’s looking good that both of those guys will play,’’ Adams said of Rogers and O’Brien.
“It will just about be the first time this year we’ve been at full strength.”
While the Bulldogs are in season-best form, Buninyong’s recent form has been patchy.
Buninyong defeated Daylesford by 45 points in May, but Adams expects a much tighter contest this time around.
“Buninyong is one of the more physical teams in the competition,’’ Adams said.
“We’re playing better footy now than when we last played them. We’ve got nothing to lose ... we’ll be giving it a good crack.”
