The conclusion of a roller coaster MIA League season for the Demons has resulted in an unfortunate outcome for the boys in blue, as results have dictated they will not be hosting a home final due to points differential.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The squad traveled to Narrandera on Saturday and won 107 to 70.
Demons only had seven players at their disposal, but that number luckily included coach Arch Cullen.
"They were relatively close for the first half, we were only 10 points up at half-time," Cullen explained.
"I told the boys to up the ante, then we had a third quarter blitz and managed to get up."
However, the 37-point margin was not enough for the side to retain their chances of a final at West End.
Griffith has been highly dominant throughout the entire MIA League season, but the absence of key players in round five cost the team a valuable victory.
They played against West Wyalong, their soon-to-be grand final rivals, losing 64 to 55. This was largely in thanks to the side missing Steve McCanna, Dean Spratt, Mick Duncan, Jack Gilbert and Arch Cullen.
If the Demons had won their round five fixture, they would be hosting the grand final and carrying a perfect league record throughout 2019.
RELATED
"We've done everything we could leading up to this point to put ourselves in the right spot," Cullen said.
"Unfortunately it just looks like it hasn't worked out."
West Wyalong held leverage over Griffith in the form of an eight-point differential.
As the Wildcats were able to best Leeton convincingly in the opposite fixture of round six, they have earned themselves a home final on November 23.
The 2018 competition winners will be given the chance to go back-to-back, and do it all in front of their own fans.
"You can only do what you can do," Cullen added.
"Now we just need to lift and do our best."
Griffith defeated West Wyalong 84 to 78 in the second round of the competition. Even away from home, if the Demons can piece together a full-strength squad, they stand a real chance against the heavyweights.
Griffith will also be looking for revenge after their bitter grand final defeat to the Wildcats last season.
***
While you're with us, did you know that you can now receive updates straight to your inbox every Monday at 6am from The Area News? To make sure you're up to date with all the Griffith and MIA news you can sign up here.