Arrivals: Troy Garling (Northern Territory), Paul Brown (Kyabram District Football League), Josh Edwards (North Coast AFL), Michael Wilson (Tamworth Swans), Josh Hack (Farrar Football League), Christopher Hayden (Black Diamond Football League), Brad Howes (new), Stuart McVittie (new)
Departures: Aaron Froud, Troy Campbell (2008 Southern Cross Ten Rising Star winner), Luke Selig (Wagga Wagga)
Retirements: Dave Chapman
Coach: Dave Chapman
Captain: Not yet named
The Gunnedah Bulldogs had their best season in the TAFL in 2008 and have recruited well in the off season.
Their losses have been kept to a minimum number, but they are big losses. Captain Aaron Froud has left the district and young Troy Campbell has gone south to Uni. The Bulldogs have also lost Luke Selig he is moving to Wagga Wagga.
Club President and Coach Dave Chapman, a club stalwart from the old 80's North West League, has his club going forward in leaps and bounds. Chapman is starting to come into his own as a coach who has lifted his beloved Bulldogs to their first finals campaign in 2008. Although they finished 2008 under-manned, losing the Elimination Final to the New England Nomads in Armidale, they are my Smokey for 2009.
Some of their recruits come with very good credentials. Josh Edwards comes from last year's North Coast AFL Senior Premiers, the Sawtell/Toormina Saints, and he also coached the Sawtell/Toormina Saints under 18 side to the 2008 premiership. Edwards will be a huge help to Coach Chapman. Christopher Hayden is a senior player from the strong Black Diamond Football League. Paul Brown is from the Kyabram District Football League. Kyabram is the home town of AFL star Brett Deledio. Troy Garling comes from the Northern Territory and, although not a lot is known of him, Territorian's usually have very good instinctive skills. Josh Hack is from the Farrar Football League in the Riverina which is also a very good league. Michael Wilson moves to the Bulldogs from the Tamworth Swans. Brad Howes and Stuart McVittie are new to the club.
All in all, the Bulldogs have probably had the best recruiting drive in the TAFL for 2009 and I predict they will be fighting it out for a top 3 finish in the home and away season. If this happens, they will then give a solid account of themselves in the finals.
Bulldog President said recently "The Gunnedah Bulldogs are looking forward to the 2009 season having recruited well over the summer months. The club's major losses from 2008 were Aaron Froud, Troy Campbell and Luke Selig. Early signs have been encouraging with good wins in Armidale at the Tablelands Cup and a trial against Orange F.C. The club is looking to build on the successes, both on and off the field, of 2008".
Last Modified on 27/05/2009 08:45