There will be no sweeping changes at the Gunnedah Bulldogs under new president Mark Barrow.
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The former player, who retired after winning the 2019 grand final, takes the reins from Hamish Russell.
Russell finished his tenure on a high note with both the men's and women's sides claiming AFL North West premierships in 2020 but he won't be lost to the Dogs.
Russell will remain on the Bulldogs committee and Barrow said he'd lean on Russell for advice as he takes on the new role.
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Barrow also said he had "big shoes to fill" but sees the presidency as a way to repay the game that's given him so much and welcomes the challenge that comes with it.
"I've played football a lot of years. I was 22 when I played my first game and I haven't done as much as I should have. This is a way to give back now," the 39-year-old, who has also played for Narrabri and the Tamworth Kangaroos, said.
"With the presidency, I'm not changing anything - just keeping the great club culture the Bulldogs have had.
"There's a great culture and it's a great family club, I've just gotta continue that. If we can continue that, we'll continue to be successful."
The addition of juniors and the women's sides has added to the culture at the club, Barrow said.
Both had standout years with the under 14s falling at the last hurdle while the women tasted premiership success.
There won't be a change at the top of the women's side, either, with their 2020 coach locked in for the upcoming season.
"Sam Proudfoot is taking it on again. He's a great person to have around the club," Barrow said.
While a women's coach is locked in, the Bulldogs remain on the search for a men's mentor.
Outgoing coach Doug Meagher has moved to Queensland while another potential candidate has also moved on.
"Jaydon Stiles has gone back down south and has a coaching role down there," Barrow said of Stiles' move to Macorna Football Netball Club.
Stiles' younger brother, Josh, and Josh Chiavaroli are other losses for the Dogs while Barrow said he'd heard "whispers a couple 2019 grand final players might be coming back".
The club will hold a come and try day on February 20 from 10am at Wolseley Oval with pre-season to kick off the following Thursday from 5.45pm.
Barrow welcomed all - whether they're interested in playing, coaching or volunteering - to attend.
The president also said Auskick is likely to get up and running again in 2021.
Keep an eye on the Bulldogs Facebook page for more information.
Ben Jaffrey
Ben is a content curator and journalist for The Land. He has been with ACM since 2015 and first worked at The Area News and then at the Northern Daily Leader. Ben first joined ACM Agri as a digital journalist for all seven agricultural mastheads in 2022 before shifting to The Land full-time in 2023.
Ben is a content curator and journalist for The Land. He has been with ACM since 2015 and first worked at The Area News and then at the Northern Daily Leader. Ben first joined ACM Agri as a digital journalist for all seven agricultural mastheads in 2022 before shifting to The Land full-time in 2023.
