When you get to Mark Ewington's age, any dip in form must be magnified by the thought that perhaps this is it - the old body has finally had enough.
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That is why the 47-year-old forward's six goals in last weekend's 136-point win over the Swans at No.1 Oval must have felt so good.
"It's been a while," he said, referring to the last time he kicked a bag.
I kicked a few last year but I've been a bit quiet this year. So it was good to kick a bag this week gone.
- Mark Ewington
"I kicked a few last year but I've been a bit quiet this year. So it was good to kick a bag this week gone."
This time last year, Ewington booted 15 goals in a 188-point win over Moree, the Bulldogs' opponents at Wolseley Oval on Saturday.
It was his 100th game - his history with the club dating back to near the turn of the century and punctuated by a five-year retirement that ended in 2016.
"I got a bit bored, nothing to do," he said of his decision to play again.
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In 2017, Gunnedah won the premiership. That is Ewington's sole title, but a second title this year is a distinct possibility.
With four rounds remaining before the finals, Gunnedah are undefeated atop the table.
"It's a very good side," Ewington said. "We've got a few old players from the premiership side ... no, a great side this year."
