THE Gunnedah Bulldogs have won their second AFL North West premiership in three years by defeating the New England Nomads in a thriller at Wolseley Oval on Saturday.
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The first-placed Bulldogs traded blows with the Nomads throughout the day with the margin being as close as one point in the third term. However, the Bulldogs held their nerve to record a memorable 11-point win over the Nomads with the final score reading 14-11-90 to 11-13-79 victory.
The win was set up by an opening-quarter barrage by the Bulldogs forward line, lead by veteran Mark Ewington, who kicked the opening two goals of the game on his way to a four-goal haul.
Sam Proudfoot (two goals) followed up soon after, before Isaiah Graham kicked the Nomads' first. Two more goals for the Dogs saw them lead by 25 points at the first break.
Angus Quail then wasted no time getting the Nomads back in the game, kicking the first goal of the second term.
From there, the Nomads got on a run with Clarrie Barker and Dylan Moore each booting goals to help the visitors be within 21-points of the Bulldogs at the main break.
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After the half-time break, both sides traded blows on the scoreboard with the Nomads looking to steal away the lead.
However, some strong defence from James Mack and Brent Hartley helped the Bulldogs take a 13-point lead into the final term.
The Nomads had the better of the opening minutes of the final term with Moore and Andrew Gray each kicking majors to help reduce the margin.
Brad Jenkinson (two goals) and Adam Curgenven stood up in attack and defence to ensure the Bulldogs stayed in control and eventually avenge last season's grand final heartache.
Despite the loss, Nomads' midfielder Luke Raymond was awarded best-on-ground honours for his efforts throughout the day.
Bulldogs' captain Ben Maher said an "extra five minutes either way" could have changed the outcome of the game.
"It's a bloody unreal feeling to win, this is exactly why we play footy," Maher said.
"Full credit to the Nomads, their pressure throughout the game was unbelievable and if given a few extra minutes they could have easily won that game. That's how deadly a team they are."
Maher said the side was eager to make up for last year's grand final loss to the Inverell Saints.
"To be honest, it's been on my mind a lot and I reckon I have been playing this grand final in my head for the last two weeks," he said.
"It's just such a relief to get over the line and it feels bloody good to be a two-time premiership player with this great club."
Nomads' coach James Treweeke said his side's first-quarter performance cost them the game.
"I think Benny Maher put it quite nicely when he said five more minutes could have been the difference, but that's how it goes," Treweeke said. "To be honest, I think that first quarter was probably what lost it for us, we came out a bit sluggish at that really cost us."
Bulldogs' coach Doug Meagher said Saturday's decider was "one of the best games" he had been involved in.
"That game really had everything and I am just so proud of our group for getting the job done," Meagher said. "We've had our ups and downs this year but this really is a special group and a really special win."