Thoughts are turning to next year for the Gunnedah Bulldogs AFL North West NSW men’s team, after this year’s team finished at the foot of the five-team ladder with just one victory.
Player-coach Jakob Vearing said 2025 had been a rebuilding year with most of Gunnedah’s players below 22 years of age.
“Five of our players who are consistently in our best six have only just turned 18,” he said.
“Our most senior player aside from myself who consistently plays, Darcy Hill (pictured), is in his fifth year of AFL and whilst being one of the top players in the league, five years is not a lot of experience.
“With that in mind we are the youngest, most inexperienced team in the league and are still providing contest(s) to even the best sides in the league.
“We saw five players make it into the league representative side, with another two players just narrowly missing out.
“Our young players are maturing very well, and I expect big things from them next year.”
With virtually all of this year’s players being locals, Vearing said he thought most of them planned to stay in town.
“They enjoy playing together and there is a great culture forming,” he said.
“I’m happy with the growth and effort the boys have put in this year.
“Hopefully the off-season sees us recruit a bit more strength and experience.
“Two or three experienced players could see a dramatic change to our league prospects.”
Vearing said he was yet to decide if he would continue as coach.
