There were promising signs for the Gunnedah Bulldogs last Saturday, as they began their AFL North West (NSW) season with a convincing 41-point victory against the New England Nomads at Bellevue Oval.
Senior statesman Mark Ewington (four) and young gun Nash Carlyon (three) were the leading goal-kickers while Tom Carlyon, Seth Morony, Andrew Osmond, Grant Clarke and Mason Louis landed one major each for the victors.
The Bulldogs were coming off a first-up bye while the Nomads were coming off an 11.8.74 to 6.7.43 loss to the Tamworth Kangaroos, after Gunnedah had achieved just a single victory last season (against New England).
This year’s outfit had something of a revamped look, following the departures of several players and the inclusion of others.
Clarke, Nash Carlyon, Anthony Dyck and Keaton Walters were welcome additions, along with Adam Curgenven who returned from a break.
The Bulldogs led 4.4.28 to 2.1.13 at quarter-time, before the second quarter was relatively even as Gunnedah kicked 3.3.21 to 3.1.19.
New England was restricted to just one behind in the third term, while the visiting team landed two goals and seven behinds to establish a 35-point lead.
The Bulldogs kicked 3.1.19 to 2.1.13 in the final term, to run out 12.15.87 to 7.4.46 winners.
The competition has a bye this weekend, before the Bulldogs host the Tamworth Swans on May 2.
