Eight years after making his first grade debut for the club as an 18-year-old, the veteran centre said there was a positiveness permeating through the club that was not there before.

As the Bulldogs prepare to meet Narrabri at Kitchener Park on Sunday for the right to play North Tamworth in the major semi-final, Donnelly said he had seldom enjoyed his football more.

And he said that at the heart of the side’s revival had been Bulldogs coach Sean Hayne, a member of the club’s last premiership side in 1998, and an ambitious committee.

“Getting Sean back coaching [this season] is always a good thing,” he said.

“Everyone knows what he’s like. He’s a really good bloke and a good coach and he’s got a really good feeling towards the team.

“The committee is doing a lot of work behind the scenes to make a successful club. It’s been one of the most enjoyable seasons since I’ve been playing.”

The winner of Sunday’s clash will finish second on the ladder behind Norths.

Gunnedah have beaten Narrabri in the two games they’ve met this season, including a 50-22 triumph the last time they played. The Blues led 22-0 in that match midway through the first half.

But despite Gunnedah’s success over the Blues, Donnelly does not believe that equates to a psychological advantage.

He pointed to Narrabri’s two wins over Norths this season as an indication of the tough task facing the Bulldogs.

“At the back of the head we know we’ve beaten them twice. But like I said, that doesn’t mean much coming into this match,” he said. 

The Bears have beaten Gunnedah three times this year. Despite that, Donnelly is convinced the Bulldogs have what it takes to topple them should their paths cross again.

“We can match it with Norths,” he said.