Gunnedah AFL Bulldogs take another win in the North West competition

Gunnedah AFL Bulldogs men’s and women’s Poochettes repeated their combined club winning efforts from a fortnight earlier, disposing of the Tamworth Kangaroos men and women’s sides in Tamworth in round five of the AFL North West competition.

In their second win of the season and consecutive against the Kangaroos, the Bulldogs were ordered to fight until the final whistle for their win, eventually pulling away in the last quarter and ice the game in their 75-59 victory.

Meanwhile, the women’s Poochettes continued their dominance thus far in season 2024, running away easy victors 67-6 and in the process, solidifying their position atop of the AFL North West ladder.

Particularly impressive for the Poochettes on the weekend, and thus far this season, is the contribution of a number of new talent progressing through the ranks following player turnover after their premiership triumph last season.

Macey Carlyon, Myah Gibson, Zoe Law and Bella Sawyer all made their debut on the weekend and through the likes of captain Katrina Rekunow, the Ewington sisters in Laura and Kelly along with Casey O’Connell and Lexi Walker leading, form a nice blend of youth and experience that has conglomerated initial success for the side.

The Poochettes lead from start to finish in putting their opposition to the sword, leading 26-6 by quarter time that progressed to 42-6 by half time in piling on six majors in the first half.
Albeit wayward in the third quarter, the Poochettes controlled the match and eventually ran away as comprehensive 61 point victors with Abbey Ruttley slotting three majors, combined with captain Rekunow and Brenana Ward both booting two for the side.

Alex Walker was best on ground for the Poochettes and continues to be a beacon of consistency for the side and a prime reason the Poochettes find themselves atop of the competition thus far in season 2024.

Youth has been a key part of the Bulldogs club this season and the Bulldogs men are a mirror influence of the women’s Poochettes.

Liam Naismith was thrust into a full forward role and upon this, booted his way to a match high four majors for the day with his contested
marking a highlight.

In contrast for the Bulldogs men, it was a historic and landmark occasion for one of the older brigade, with life member Mark Ewington slotting his 400th goal in his 164th match for the club on his way to booting three majors to combine with Naismith as the major threats in the forward half.

The Bulldogs lead from start to finish but were challenged along the way, leading by no more than a goal at every interval yet keeping their noses in front.

Eventually, it was goals for Ewington and Naismith in the last quarter that put the Bulldogs in front by their biggest margin of the match, icing the game by 16 points and handing the bulldogs their second victory of the season.

On Saturday, the Bulldogs and Poochettes women will take on the Inverell Saints, in what is a special day recognising the importance of Motor Neurone Disease towards the efforts of raising funds to fund a cure for the insidious disease.

Gunnedah’s own Sunnyside Disability support group will be there on the day, offering patrons the opportunity to buy fight MND socks for $15 as well as junior big freeze beanies for $15 and adults for $25.