Bulldogs v Blues - Round 12: First plays fifth at Kitchener Park | Group 4

With their semi-finals hopes hanging by a thread, Gunnedah's final three matches are against top-four sides - starting when they play No 1-ranked Narrabri for the John "Dallas" Donnelly Cup at Kitchener Park on Saturday afternoon.

Bulldogs coach Mick Schmiedel said: "The guys are up for it, and we want to finish the season on a good note ... We want to be a massive nuisance."

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After the Blues clash, Gunnedah travel to fourth-placed Moree next round, before hosting second-placed Kootingal-Moonbi in the final round.

Gunnedah sit in fifth place, six points behind Moree - six straight losses snapped last round with a 34-22 away defeat of the Magpies.

Schmiedel said: "We have a little form on the board at the moment and some confidence back from the win at Werris Creek.

"If we can win our last three games and somehow make the semis, then we'll go into the semis with some good form."

Gunnedah welcome back young prop Lincon Smith for the local derby on Saturday.

However, they will be without forwards Jacko Brookman and Hayden Jaeger, wo are unavailable due to work.

Brookman won the three best and fairest points last Saturday.

"It's frustrating not having him because of work," Schmiedel said, adding that he still has a strong side.

He also said: "If we had Jacko and Hayden it would be our strongest side, but hopefully they will be back for Moree and Kootingal."

Having Smith back from a three-week suspension is "massive", he said.

"He's chomping at the bit ... He feels like he's let the boys down a little, so he's out to repay them. And having his brother [Kerrod] play beside him is also a massive bonus.

"Kerrod has earned his position due his form in the lower grades and what he did for us against Dungowan and Norths.

Schmiedel is expecting a "tough" game against the Blues.

"The guys are up for it, and we want to finish the season on a good note," he said.

"With three games to play, we have three of the teams in the top four. We want to be a massive nuisance."

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