It was tough going for the Gunnedah Bulldogs AFC last weekend facing 2014 competition premiers, the New England Nomads.
The Nomads were convincing winners in the round three Tamworth Australian Football League (TAFL) clash, scoring 19.15-129 to the Bulldogs’ 9.9-63.
Although the Nomads were not at full strength, the Bulldogs can take some comfort knowing that’s about as hard as the competition is likely to get this season.
Gunnedah Bulldogs AFC (blue) up against New England Nomads last weekend at Wolseley Park.
“[Nomads] have talent across the park,” Bulldogs co-coach Ryan Cooper said.
“Their fitness and leg speed got us; they were just too quick.
“They blew us away in the first quarter.”
The Bulldogs matched their opposition in the opening five minutes and were “right on song”, Cooper said.
“We had the first three or four opportunities to score but couldn’t capitalise,” he said.
“A couple of shots were sprayed wide.”
Bulldogs defender and last weekend’s Player’s Player, James Mack, did his best to limit the goal-kicking exploits of Zac Economou.
The Nomad booted six goals for his side on Saturday for a total of 11 from just three games this season.
Cooper commended Mack on his defensive abilities, believing the margin could have been much greater if not for his efforts.
“He has well and truly filled in for John (Woolaston, who retired last year) down the back of the park,” he said.
After just one loss from three games, the Bulldogs have had a better than usual start to the competition this year which Cooper attributed to improved club recruiting.
“We’ve always been there or thereabouts every season but didn’t have the cattle (players) to go on with it,” he said.
“Our depth is stronger this year but fitness could be better.
“The quick turn around from the cricket season made it difficult in that regard (fitness).”
This weekend the Bulldogs are on the road to face new TAFL franchise, the Moree Suns.
The Suns are yet to saviour victory since joining the competition this year but the Bulldogs won’t be resting easy.
“We’re not going to take them lightly,” Cooper said.
Source: Namoi Valley Independent 7th May 2015
Last Modified on 04/04/2016 21:20