The club attended with the bare minimum nine-players, but matched it with squads who had twice the numbers and only narrowly missed a spot in the finals. 

It’s a telling sign that the club is fit, strong and ready to run hard. 

The Bulldogs have gone standalone this year, fielding all four senior teams with what officials said was a “great group” of players coming through the ranks. 

Many Group 16 pundits are eyeing off the Bulldogs as a potential danger club and a big improver. 

Nathan Heffernan has returned as a non-playing coach for the club’s senior side, while Tom McMillan has returned and will both play first grade and coach the under 18s. 

The top grade will also have some dangerous new additions in two ex-Eden greats, Dylan Fletcher and Matt Evelyn. 

Fletcher is an all-round back and a capable kicker, while Evelyn fills the hooker role and is known for his ability to make a blinding run through the middle. 

The club will also welcome home clubman Matt Clift, who has many years of experience under his belt with the Bulldogs as he returns to the area from Coffs Harbour. 

A group 16 spokesman said he would add a big boost of experience and leadership on the park for the Bulldogs. 

The Dogs will also have James Bennett, who has experience in the Townsville comp where he played with the North Devils. 

Club president Laurie Delle Vergin said he was excited about the return of the club’s reserve grade line-up. 

A few club veterans including players like Lee Johnson have banded together and will be dubbed the “Bull Ants” when they take the field. 

The under 18s are also looking promising with some retention from last year’s brilliant team and the addition of some new young guns. 

Meanwhile, Simon Scott will continue at the helm for the ladies league-tag Hot Doggies outfit. 

The club unfortunately fell short of numbers for the ladies’ Nines draw, but has been hard at work on the training paddock and will be raring to go for the season launch when the club meets the Bega Roosters this Saturday. 

The Roosters will host the Bulldogs in opening round action of the Group 16 season at the Bega Recreation Ground. 

The headline first grade game is set to go ahead under lights, while matches will run from 2.30pm on Saturday with first grade at 6.30pm.

Parking is at the Bega netball courts, just down from the ground and expect to pay about $7 as the cover charge at the gate.