The Christchurch Bulldogs have announced themselves as serious threats to the rest of the competition after comprehensively defeating the previous top two sides in successive weeks, to guarantee themselves a spot in the CAFL Grand Final for 2015.
The teams that finish in the top two at the end of the season will play in the Grand Final, and with two games to play, the Bulldogs sit percentage clear of second and two games clear of third, with a percentage which can’t imaginably be chased down.
This weeks’ game between the second placed Eagles and third placed Blues can guarantee that the Bulldogs will face the Eagles, should the boys from Mid-Canterbury be successful or even draw.
Realistically, even if the Eastern Blues were to win, they would need to make up 260 points difference in the last two rounds just to get in on percentage.
With the prospect of playing each other two weeks in a row, the possibility is alive to play the Grand Final one week early and spare the physical toll which would no doubt be incurred from a demanding last round between the current ladder leaders.
The Bulldogs coaching staff will prepare the side for both eventualities, noting that either challenge ahead cannot be taken lightly and that an under prepared side is vulnerable at the best of times, let alone at the end of a season.
Bulldogs training Coach Wayne Sullivan outlined the strengths of this year’s side,
“We’ve had a strong focus on developing experience throughout the season across the whole park in anticipation of playing in a finals series and peaking at the right time.”
“Our last two wins have been some of the best I have personally been involved in, due to the character shown by the whole team in general.
“The players are working hard for each other and moving our training sessions to Northwood Oval for daylight savings has helped immensely, with players developing a far greater sense of where they should be and how they can contribute.”
First year players have stepped up and experienced players have helped guide the team into a strong position, with the target now firmly on lifting the premiership trophy.
In terms of development, this year has already been a resounding success, with the focus now shifting to the ultimate prize in Canterbury AFL.
By Wayne Sullivan
Last Modified on 13/10/2015 13:34