The Waroona Demons will head into a preliminary final bash with Baldivis in red-hot form after disposing of Centrals in a resounding semi-final victory on Sunday afternoon.
An undermanned Centrals outfit proved no match for a Demons side looking to steamroll their way to a whopping 12th consecutive top-three finish, as Waroona romped to a 23.12 (150) 11.10 (76) victory.
Coming off a prolific elimination final win over South Mandurah, the Demons wasted no time in galloping to the lead, landing the first set of blows with a seven-goal first term.
It set the tone for their performance, as they were never truly challenged on their way to the win with outstanding performances from Rhett Mason and Mitchell Dawson.
They’ve had to do it the hard way coming from fifth, but the Demons are now set for a preliminary final bout with the Brumbies, a concept that excites head coach Dean Taylor.
“We really hit our straps on the weekend and I think we’re finding some good form at the right time,” he said.
“We’re extremely excited about how we’re playing – there were no passengers on the weekend and that’s something that we really thrive on.”
The Demons’ win sets up what will be a massive preliminary final date with the Brumbies, in a rematch of the 2016 grand final.
Taylor said last year’s loss to Baldivis in the premiership game wouldn’t be a factor for his side ahead of this clash.
“I’d like to think the boys will come prepared no matter who we play,” he said.
“We’ve been in a lot of finals in recent years, so I don’t think things like that would shake our group.”
The term “perennial powerhouse” doesn’t even begin to explain how strong the Waroona Demons have been over the past decade and change.
They’ve played in eight of the past 11 grand finals, and this year marks their 12th straight top-three appearance.
Taylor said his side will lean on that experience as it quests for a grand final berth.
“We’ve been in these situations before so hopefully that holds us well,” he said.
“But on a whole it can all go out the window when the ball is bounced. Baldivis are a strong side, so we just need to play good footy.”
The Demons will take on the Brumbies for a spot in the grand final against Pinjarra at Falcon Oval this Saturday.