By Sam Woods
Gunnedah's Troy Sands tracks down possession against Narrabri at Wolseley Park last weekend. Photo: Sam Woods
The Gunnedah Bulldogs AFC have completed in two rounds what it took the club a whole season to achieve in 2014 – win two games of football.
The club posted its second consecutive victory in the 2015 Tamworth Australian Football League last Saturday when they downed Narrabri by more than 30 points, 13.18-96 to 11.5-71.
It has been a sensational start for the Bulldogs and one well earned, co-coach John Woolaston said.
“They deserved it,” Woolaston said.
“We had a bit more match fitness than Narrabri but our boys really stepped it up a gear in the last quarter.”
The score was tied 53-all at three-quarter time despite the Bulldogs leading by more than a goal for much of the match.
“His ruck work was outstanding all game." - Woolaston on Bulldogs' best on ground, Al Hillard.
The coach said it was a credit to his charges to persevere to the end.
“We knew we had to increase the intensity and play to our structure,” he said.
Mitch Swain led the goal scoring with five six-pointers to his name, backed by Andy Mack with two and six more Bulldogs who kicked one each.
Al Hillard was the Bulldogs best and played a blinder.
“His ruck work was outstanding all game,” Woolaston said.
Ryan Cooper was another to shine and delivered a tireless effort with great run work throughout the match.
Also to star for the Bulldogs were club rookies Brad Jenkinson in the midfield and Dave Griffith in the forward line.
“Both played well, especially in the last quarter,” Woolaston said.
Narrabri’s Todd Dunn was in superb touch for the Eagles and booted seven goals for his side on Saturday.
Bulldogs coaches Cooper, Woolaston and Andrew George now have the difficult task of continuing the good run of form into their next round match against competition heavyweights, the New England Nomads, on Saturday-week (May 2).
The Nomads produced a thumping 70-point win against Inverell last week but were upset in shock 50-point loss to Tamworth Kangaroos in round one.
Woolaston said a good game plan and solid execution would be their key to success in future rounds.
“We’ll keep our team plays going, think about our opposition and where best to attack,” he said.
The club has fielded strong numbers at training in recent weeks but is happy to welcome more newcomers to the squad. The Bulldogs train Monday and Thursday at Wolseley Park from 6pm.
Source: Namoi Valley Independent 23rd April 2015
Last Modified on 02/05/2015 00:47