Pre-season training is in full swing at the UNSW-Eastern Suburbs Australian Rules Football Club as the hunters become the hunted following their 2012 AFL Sydney premiership.
The Bulldogs dominated last season, finishing minor premiers, before a last quarter demolition of Balmain in the grand final to run out victors by 42 points.
It was a fantastic result and a long-time coming but UNSW-ES head coach, Rhys McAlister (pictured), is reminding his players that it’s back to business.
“We certainly had a great year with a few of our boys picking up some individual honours in the process but with due respect, that was last year,” McAlister said, “We’ve got other clubs gunning for us now.”
The Bulldogs’ success came at a price with league Best and Fairest and All-Australian player, Dane Rampe, being drafted this year by the Sydney Swans.
“We’re all rapt for Dane. “He’s a local eastern suburbs boy who fought damn hard and got a shot at the big league,” McAlister added,
“Dane is UNSW-ES Bulldogs through and through.
“However, the departure of Dane and one or two others allows us to provide the players coming through with an opportunity to cement a spot.
“There were a handful of lads who missed out on a grand final berth last year and we’d love to rectify that situation as soon as possible. “Those guys are already throwing themselves into a solid pre-season, knowing it’s an investment towards a life-long dream.”
The Bulldogs are pleased with the quality of players emerging from their development teams.
Last Modified on 29/01/2013 14:17
