A NINE-goal haul from Jacob Spackman has helped guide an undermanned Gunnedah Bulldogs outfit to victory against the Moree Suns.
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The undefeated Bulldogs went into the round four AFL North West fixture with only 16 players, but found a way to run out 19-16-130 to 7-11-53 winners.
Ruckman Sam Proudfoot was named the Dogs' best player, while Andrew George continued his recent good form booting three goals in the 77-point victory.
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Spackman said the Dogs' experienced players helped pave the way for the victory.
"The weekend was tough, Moree are a young side," Spackman said.
"I thought the boys who went up played well. I think it was the experienced blokes who put the foot down when the game was close, broke the gap in the second quarter and the third to set it up."
The Bulldogs will now look to regroup with a bye this weekend, before taking on the Inverell Saints in a grand final rematch on June 1.
"There is a confident feeling around the group, but as a group there are still things to work on,"Spackman said.
"I'm away a lot for work so I don't see training, but from what I hear it's positive.
"The young guys are gelling and when we have full strength it's a great balance of youth and experience."
Spackman said the club was use its two-week break to continue working on "our own game plan".
"Inverell is always a hard, physical game so our young blokes have to be prepared to run straight lines and work on our decision making," he said.
"Tempo of the game is another thing we need to focus on.
"It's all good to be fast and run, but if we loose momentum we need to change tempo and get the game on our terms.
"There is a bit to work on and while it is only early, we are travelling well."
GUNNEDAH BULLDOGS 19-16-130 (Jacob Spackman 9, Shane Paul 3, Andrew George 3, Garry Briggs 2, Mark Ewington, Peter Hallin) defeated MOREE SUNS 7-11-53 (Jade Porter 3, Keanan Duncan 2, Adrian Smith, Matt Lather).
