Doug Meagher came, saw and conquered.
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Some two years after arriving in Gunnedah for work, Meagher will soon leave the town having forged a legacy as one of the most astute coaches to ply his trade in AFL North West.
Two seasons in the job and two premierships - including an unbeaten reign in 2020.
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Bulldogs legend Brian Lenton rated the 2020 Dogs as the best in the club's history, with Meagher's recruitment of three gun Victorians instrumental in the dream COVID-shortened season.
The former Collingwood reserve-grader and Swans listed player (he did not play an AFL game) will return to Queensland, where he coached Brisbane-based QALF club Sandgate.
In a group text message, Meagher - who grew up near Horsham in Victoria and finishes up as Gunnedah Services and Bowling Club general manager on Wednesday - said the Bulldogs winning back-to-back premierships was an "unbelievable achievement".
"And thank you immensely for your dedication," he said of those involved in the club's success.
He continued: "To everyone else whom I have had the pleasure of making your acquaintance, thank you for enriching my life.
"I am a better person for having spent 2 + years in the Gunnedah community."
Bulldogs president Hamish Russell paid Meagher the ultimate sporting tribute.
"I've had plenty of football coaches across many codes in my time, and Doug is the best coach I've ever had," he said. "His footy knowledge combined with his motivational ability is outstanding.
"In 2020 he had players doing things no one thought possible. Playing Andrew Mack at full forward was a masterstroke that no one would have come close to considering."
Russell said Meagher's "generosity and selflessness" were his best qualities.
"He dedicated an amount of time and energy that our club could never repay," Russell added.
