WHILE Mildura “got out of jail” against Ouyen United last week, co-coach Illario Cavallo was proud of the efforts of his side when their backs were against the wall.
The Demons almost let a 41-point three-quarter-time lead slip against the Kangas, before a late Jack Bower goal saw them home by six points.
Mildura have kept their finals hopes alive, but facing top-of-the-table Merbein at Kenny Park will be another challenge entirely.
The Demons have named an unchanged line-up from last week’s victory, while Merbein welcome back Jarrod Buckley and Nick Dorman into an extended squad with Joe Cavallo making way.
In further good news for Mildura, young defender Finn Ellis Castle has been selected to play for the Sydney Swans’ VFL side this weekend.
“All games are important now with us coming into this game at 3-4,” Illario Cavallo said, “and Merbein are obviously the top side, so it’s going to be a real challenge for us out at Kenny Park.
“I think we got out of jail a bit last week but to see the grit of the blokes when their backs were against the wall was good. Especially when they were even and again against the wind we were able to push forward and kick a goal.
“If we can play anything like our third quarter we’ll be in good shape, because that’s up there with the best footy we’ve played.
“Merbein are a good, well-drilled side and they look really set as a team. They don’t have too many players coming in and out so they have that stability. It’s going to be a real challenge for us.”
Getting back some experienced players last week, including the return of former Demon and Ouyen United forward Marcus Healy, proved important for the Dees.
“We’ve had a lot of people go through our side, which can be good in a sense, but getting that bit of experience back last week helped,” Cavallo said.
“Last time we played Merbein we had pretty much everyone available and they belted us around the ball, so we have to be better than that.”
