ILARIO Cavallo knows Mildura is showing signs of progress judging from recent results.
But the Mildura coach refused to accept a moral victory after the Demons lost on Saturday by 19 points to Imperials, which was a major improvement on a 73-point loss in the sides’ earlier meeting this year.
“It hurt because of the fact we were in the game and could have won that game,” Cavallo said.
“We can’t just rest on two … or three really good quarters. If you’re going to win in this league, you have to play four really good quarters.”
Despite kicking into the wind in the first quarter at Brian Weightman Oval, Mildura took a four-point advantage into the first break due to work rate and efficient kicking in front of goal.
But the Demons’ failed to capitalise in the second quarter, adding just one goal as Imperials lifted their effort and kicked three goals to lead at the main break.
Imperials had the bulk of scoring opportunities in the second half and despite being inaccurate in front of goal, took the four points with a 8.13.61 to 6.6.42 victory.
Cavallo said the turnaround in the game boiled down to a drop in effort plus complacency.
“In the first quarter our pressure was up, our ball movement – we were willing to play our way,” he said.
“We just allowed them to come back from the game and just almost take it from us. Their pressure went up and we just couldn’t handle it.
“We fell into the hole of thinking the wind was going to just do it for us, which is a little bit disappointing.”
Cavallo said Pioneers squad member Joshua Goss was instrumental for Mildura, but gave special mention to Dion Wager for his effort in defence.
“Dion Wager going back for the first time and playing on David Hankin, I thought he did a really good job,” he said.
“Hankin kicked six or seven on us last time and he only managed two yesterday. I’m proud of that effort.”
It was an important win for Imperials as it kept them a win behind fourth-placed Robinvale Euston. Alongside Hankin, Luke Hickey and Peter-John Petrucci kicked a pair of goals for Imperials.
Since round 9, the Demons pushed Wentworth for three-quarters in their round 10 match, defeated top-four hopeful Merbein and now can add a competitive showing against fifth-placed Imperials.
Cavallo remained optimistic about the progression of the young Mildura squad and said the future was bright.
“The amount of kids we’ve got going out there each week going against bigger bodies and getting belted around, they’re still fronting up each week,” he said. “I can’t be any prouder of the group.”
