In Lincon Smith, a Gunnedah-born apprentice boilermaker, the Bulldogs have a “hungry” teen who, like his team, has improved throughout the season.

The 19-year-old’s front-row partnership with another big body, Kye Conlan, has given Gunnedah the midfield size presence they lacked last year.

That is why North Tamworth’s formidable pack failed to bully Gunnedah the past two times the sides met, including the Bears’ 26-24 qualifying final win at Jack Woolaston Oval on Sunday.

Ahead of Gunnedah’s knockout finals clash against Werris Creek at Kitchener Park on Saturday, Smith spoke about his growth as a footballer and as a person this year, en route to cementing a first-grade spot after starting the season in reserve grade.

He said he had progressively got fitter and “wanted it more”, attributing that, in large part, to his teammates’ enthusiasm. He has learnt to “not give up”.

“It’s been a big season,” he said, adding that he had “learned a lot”. “[I’ve] just had no choice but, really, not to back down, just keep going forward. And that’s what the whole club seems to do, which is good.”

Smith kept going forward against Norths on Sunday, no matter how hard he was targeted. 

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He said everything he had gone through this year had enhanced him “mentally and physically”. “I’d rather play against the harder teams. You learn from that, learn from everything.” 

He added: “The best thing about it is we’ve got a good team now and everyone seems to be putting in 100 per cent.”

Bulldogs coach Sean Hayne said Smith listened to what he told him, whether it was “good or bad”.

“The last few weeks he’s been performing well for us,” Hayne said. “Hopefully he can back that up again this week.”

Gunnedah are expected to be at full strength for the Magpies clash.