SUCCESS at senior level has been a long time coming for Simon Harkness.
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The skilful defender made his senior debut for the Demons in 2009, but had to wait until last season to play his first final.
The Demons were knocked out in the first semi-final and are on track to get another crack at post-season action thanks to a steady start to 2018.
Five wins from the opening nine rounds has Harkness and his teammates in fifth place on the ladder.
But Harkness, 27, can not be accused of looking too far ahead.
“To be honest, I’m not even sure of who we are playing in two weeks,” Harkness said.
“We’ve got East Warrnambool in there this week and that will be a tough game.
“We saw with Russells Creek last week how much they have improved, sometimes it can take a long time but they are heading in the right direction.
“East Warrnambool is similar, they are playing some good footy and this is a real danger game.”
East Warrnambool has won its last two games and added Tim Chafield to its team on Thursday night.
Harkness knows well the long road it takes to become a contender and believes the Demons are giving themselves the best chance to continue to progress.
“The club has been able to get a lot of former players back, which is a really good way to recruit,” he said.
“Locals coming back have that attachment, they want to win for the club and the town.”
Harkness said coach Mick Hunt is a major factor in the club’s steady steps forward.
“When you sit across the table from Mick it has an impact on you,” Harkness said.
“He really knows how to motivate and get the best out of people.”
Harkness has found himself a home at half back, using his foot skills and experience to launch attacking forays. It is a role he is more than happy to fill.
“You wouldn’t say I was a superb athlete so playing half back allows me to read the play and use my kicking skills, which is probably my strength, to the best advantage for the team,” he said.
“It’s a good place to see the game unfold, I am one of the older blokes now, I don’t know where that time went, I’m keen to help the younger lads improve their footy.”
The Demons and Bombers game is part of a busy Saturday schedule at Albert Park. Russells Creek will host Kolora-Noorat at Mack Oval and while the Kangaroos were competitive against the Demons last week, the Power will start clear favourites.
At Walter Oval, South Rovers will be without key players Nathan Murphy and Trent Anderson when it takes on Old Collegians.
Panmure will be after its first win when it hosts Merrivale.