It has been eight seasons since Nathan McAdam last wore a Centrals Trinity guernsey but as promised he is back, and he has brought some mates with him.
The utility is one of four, maybe five late season pick-ups for the Bulldogs in a transfer that could turn the AFL Cairns competition on its head.
McAdam, Rohan Coleman, Steven Harrison and Phillip Dudley have walked away from a potential three-peat with South Australian club Malee Park in favour of a better lifestyle, career opportunities and chance to take the Bulldogs to new heights.
Dudley’s brother Dean may also join the squad within the next week.
The Port Lincoln club is regarded as one of Australia’s premier AFL breeding grounds, with Shaun Burgoyne, Graham Johncock, Daniel Wells, Byron Pickett and Eddie Betts among their graduates.
It is the first sign that head coach Tyson Lane’s recruitment strategy is paying dividends and McAdam said their arrival had signalled the start of a solid relationship between the two clubs.
"So much talent has come out of Malee Park and the Bulldogs can hopefully now work with them over the next few years and keep the players coming and going," the utility said.
He said the recruits had already slotted into the Bulldogs’ set-up and their presence had boosted the team environment.
"The boys want to take us fishing this weekend after the game and camping next week," McAdam said.
"They’ve taken us in and now the competition for spots has seen it lift a level.
"We will be here next year too and we want to play some good footy and win a premiership."
Phillip Dudley was in the sights of Port Douglas last year but the deal fell through.
Crocs’ coach Andy Viola said he would be a tremendous pick-up for the Bulldogs.
"His goal sense is phenomenal and he’s a great signing," Viola said.
"They’ll take a few weeks to really settle but it will definitely be interesting to see how they influence that side." Sponsorship from MotoCo group, Sariascape Retaining Walls and Paving, Razorback Electrics, Jewelblest and the Cairns Colonial Club helped bring the playing group north after it looked like the deal would fall through.
"We had some final issues with clearances and payments but it all worked out well and it’s a huge win for the club," Lane said.
The Dogs (fourth on 32 points) travel to Watsons Oval to face North Cairns (fifth on 24 points) in what would have been an epic scrap for fourth place if the Tigers had taken their chances against Saints last week.
Instead, a win here would almost assure the Dogs a finals spot.
Last Modified on 29/09/2011 16:10