Demons determined despite gloom

KANE Richter refuses to rule out a topfive finish for his embattled Demons, declaring their destiny is in their own hands as they chase a first TSL finals appearance since 2011.

The Hobart City coach has spent the week picking up the pieces of last Saturday’s 89-point mauling from Lauderdale, which has left the side a match and significant percentage behind fifth-placed Launceston.

City heads to the coast tomorrow for a must-win clash against Devonport, where victory would see it draw level with the Blues, who have the Round 15 bye, before the two sides square off a week later at Windsor Park. Despite facing an uphill battle to sneak into the top five, Richter has not given up hope of featuring in the finals action.

“We have looked at our run and we have a couple of really important games in the next couple of weeks and it starts this week,” he said. “It is the old cliche of one week at a time now, but the Clarence and Launnie games are really important and obviously Lauderdale and Tigers to finish off the year.

“We still have belief there. We can only control what we are doing and the most exciting part, as I’ve discussed with the group this week, is it comes down to us. We control what we can each week, we just have to go out and win.”

The Magpies might be languishing in second-last with just one victory to their name, but they have shown strong form in the past few weeks. And with playing coach Mitch Thorp leading the way, Richter knows Devonport has the tools to cause a boilover.

“The old man Mitch Thorp has come into some form, he is going well and getting pretty good delivery from their midfield who are playing reasonably well as well. They have nothing to lose, we have to go up there with a pretty good mindset this week,” Richter said.

Richter will miss the clash with soreness, while Will Campbell returns after serving his two-week suspension.