Bulldogs celebrate junior AFL North West premiership double

Gunnedah Bulldogs celebrated a memorable junior AFL North West grand final day, claiming premierships in the under-12s and combined under-14s divisions at Wolseley Oval.

The Bulldogs’ under-12s completed an undefeated season with a win over the New England Nomads, before the merged Gunnedah-Tamworth under-14s side defeated the Nomads.

There were plenty of individual contributions in the under-12s with Zac Tunbridge and Jake Barrow leading the way, scoring with five goals each.

Leo Woolford and Arthur Graham added three goals apiece, while Cooper Braithwaite, Henry Gault, Mia Griffith, Dustin Crawford and Jack Wright also found the goals.

Jahleira Reid clearing the defensive lines in the under-12s grand final. Photo: Gunnedah Bulldogs.

The under-14 grand final proved a much tighter contest early, with the Nomads kicking the opening two goals to lead 12–7 at quarter-time.

The Nomads extended their advantage in the second term, taking an 18–7 lead into half-time, before the combined Gunnedah-Tamworth side turned the match around after the break.

The Bulldogs-Roosters began to find their trademark transition football in the third quarter, hitting the lead and taking a 33–18 advantage into the final change.

They continued to pull away in the final term as the Nomads tired, eventually running out 56–18 winners.

For several Gunnedah players, the victory provided the rare opportunity to celebrate two premierships on the same day, having backed up from the under-12 grand final.

Leo Woolford kicking one of his three goals on grand final day. Photo: Gunnedah Bulldogs.

The Tamworth contingent also made a major contribution, with Alex Higgins, Jasper Lendon, Bailey Thomas and Emilia Graham standing out around the ground and getting their names on the scoresheet.

For Gunnedah, Zac Tunbridge and Dustin Crawford hit the scoreboard, while captain Lyla Gault and midfielder Georgia Edwards produced big performances.

It was Arthur Graham, however, who was awarded best on ground for his outstanding work rate, decision-making and ball use.

Jake Barrow completed a clean sweep of the under-12 awards, claiming the Rising Star, leading goalkicker and best and fairest honours.

In the under-14s, Josh Spinks, who was unavailable for the grand final, was rewarded for his season with the best and fairest and leading goalkicker awards.

The combined under-14 team produced a memorable performance to win its grand final. Photo: Gunnedah Bulldogs. BELOW RIGHT: Leo Woolford kicking one of his three goals on grand final day. Photo: Gunnedah Bulldogs.

The grand final day began with the under-10s playing their final match of the season, with the young Bulldogs among teams from Gunnedah, Tamworth Roosters, New England Nomads and Glen Innes Celts competing in scratch matches throughout the year.

The under-10 competition provides an important step between the AFL’s Auskick and Superkick programs and club-based football, with players developing their skills and learning the fundamentals of the game under modified contact rules.

The clubs junior presentation will be held at the Courthouse Hotel on Sunday.