The Gunnedah and District AFC Bulldogs sent out a stern warning to the Greater Bank AFL North West competition, smashing last season’s grand finalists Tamworth Kangaroos 23.21 (159) to 5.5 (35) at Wolseley Oval on Saturday afternoon.
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The 124-point drubbing gives the Greg Piggott coached Bulldogs a boost in their win-loss percentage, whilst it also locks them in the top four of the competition after three rounds.
Multiple goalkickers highlighted the team brand of footy the Bulldogs displayed.
Mitch Swain returned from injury to bag five majors, while Piggott, Jake Spackman and Ben Maher in the forward line all kicked four apiece.
Mark Ewington also kicked two along with Scott Hardy, and new recruits Mark Barrow and Luke Ridsdale also hit the scoreboard for majors.
Barrow has crossed from Narrabri, while Ridsdale last played in South Australia.
Piggott lauded his side after the match, where he believes they were superior in all facets and sectors of the ground.
“Our run and spread around the ground was impressive, it was a real team performance,” Piggott said.
He also believes the structures put in place are starting to come to fruition on game day.
“Our forward structure was really good, which shows with multiple goalkickers,” he said.
The Bulldogs came out firing in the opening term, and by the end had opened up a solid lead of 27 points, with the scoreboard reading 4.5 to 0.2.
The second quarter though was where the home side really asserted their dominance.
Again the Kangaroos could only muster two points for the term, the Bulldogs on the other hand kicking seven unanswered majors to lead by 74 points at 11.12.78 to 0.4.4.
Ollie Neader was particularly impressive in a new-found position on the wing, where he continually worked both ways in attack and defence, receiving high praise from his coach for his efforts.
“Ollie was outstanding, had a great game in a new position and worked hard all day,” Piggott said.
The Bulldogs midfield rotation worked a treat on the day, where Spackman again was the standout with plenty of touches.
The intensity remained for the rest of the match, where another five majors in the third quarter extended the margin beyond triple figures at 17.17 (119) to 1.4 (10).
Although slacking off slightly in the last quarter to leak four majors, the Bulldogs held firm, and their final margin of 124 points sent out a resounding message to the remainder of the competition.
Best on ground was Neader for his efforts on the wing, but he was ably supported by the likes of ruckman Al Hillard, who like Spackman have been the most consistent performers for the Bulldogs thus far this season.
The Bulldogs have two consecutive away games coming up, with their first assignment against Narrabri Eagles come Saturday afternoon at Leitch Oval.