THE Gunnedah Bulldogs have begun their 2019 AFL North West campaign in impressive fashion by recording a 109-65 victory over the Tamworth Kangaroos at Wolseley Oval.
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A best-on-ground performance from stalwart Scott Hardy helped the Dogs lead at every change, while Gary Briggs and Jake Spackman each booted five goals in the win.
The 44-point win saw the Dogs add four goals in each quarter, except the fourth, and blood a variety of new players.
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New Bulldogs coach Doug Meagher said he was pleased with his side's ability to withstand the Roos pressure.
"The mix of young and experienced players really played out well for us," Meagher told the Leader.
"It was a good win considering we had some really good, experience players out of the side.
"We were without guys like Andrew George, Ben Maher and Brent Hartley, so for our new guys to step up was really pleasing."
The Dogs did not have it all their own way, the Roos responded after trailing by 24 points at the major break, narrowing the margin to five points early in the third term.
"I was really happy with how our guys responded when they were challenged," Meagher said.
"The Roos are a pretty strong side and they came at us hard there in the third quarter.
"But to our guys credit they kicked a few goals later in the term and helped steady the ship.
"After that, I would say we had majority of the run in the last quarter."
Meagher said the side's ability to "do a job for the team" was crucial to the victory.
"I think everyone did the job that was asked of them," he said.
"For example, Adam Curgenven did a really good run-with role for us, while Hayden Baker and Gary Briggs really applied some forward-line pressure, as well as hit the scoreboard.
"Overall, it was a really pleasing win on a number of fronts."
The Bulldogs will now turn their attention to their next clash against the in form, top-of-the-table Tamworth Swans at Wolseley Oval on May 4.
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
