Bulldogs youngster saves side from 237-point to nil loss

The local Aussie Rules outfit lost 37 goals (37.15-237) to one (1.1-7) to competition front-runners the New England Nomads in last weekend’s Tamworth Australian Football League (TAFL) clash.

With no substitutions, key players out and a seemingly endless injury list, facing Nomads at home in Armidale was always going to be a formidable task for Gunnedah.

Bulldogs ruckman Al Hillard, who injured his ankle the previous round against Narrabri, was missing from the Nomads match-up. As was the invaluable services of Andrew George who was away with work.

Both Bulldogs stars will line up in the Tamworth representative side on Saturday for their one-off match against North Coast.

The Nomads meanwhile were fielding a full strength side despite the university holiday break with many players still in town for the representative match in Armidale.

When Gunnedah lost forward Hamish Russell in the first quarter last weekend with a reoccurring hamstring injury, Nomads turned up the heat.

“Their run off their backline caught us a little off guard,” Gunnedah co-coach John Woolaston said.

“We had trouble getting one-on-one and struggled to get in position.

“It was tough.”

Gunnedah didn’t kick a point until the third quarter when the Nomads were already more than 100 in front.

The lone goal was booted by 15-year-old debutant, Beau Herbert, who worked hard for his side’s only points of the match.

“He had a fair bit of pressure on him to get it,” Woolaston said.

“He went really well for a young kid.”

Aussie Rules runs in the blood for the talented teen whose older brother, Jade, was also a former Bulldogs junior years ago.

Also to play well last weekend was returning Bulldog Ethan McDonald.

“He provided us with a fair bit of attack on the wing,” the coach said.

All TAFL clubs have the bye this week for the representative round. The Bulldogs return on July 11 against Moree Suns at Wolseley Park.