Brothers Bulldogs to compete against the reigning Hervey Bay Bombers

Brothers Bulldogs returns for another season after making it to the grand final last year, and getting defeated by the Hervey Bay Bombers. Check out the five players to watch.

04/04/2023 - Brothers Bulldogs coach Bradley Grogan is hoping for another good season from the senior side. Picture: supplied

BROTHERS Bulldogs coach Bradley Grogan said last year’s run to the Wide Bay AFL grand final was a fantastic return after a few lean years for the Bundaberg club.

Grogan, who returned to coach the Bulldogs last season in their 50th year, said the club had been through a lean spell, so despite losing to the Hervey Bay Bombers in the 2022 decider he was delighted with the outcome.

“We had a very good season after a bleak campaign or two,” he said.

“Winning more games than we lost was a great return for the club and to get to the grand final was a real success for us and it was no disgrace losing to the Bombers, who have not lost a game for two years.”

Grogan said the Bulldogs had lost six key players from last year and had recruited three new members for the senior squad.

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The coach said he was keen to bring through some younger players and was hoping that they would step up and play some good footy in the senior team.

“There are a few players who will come up from the reserves from last year as well as the new recruits,” Grogan said.

“We also have a couple of good players who played in our under-17s team last year who will step up and have a good crack at senior football.

“It is a good outlook for the club with all these junior players coming through in to the senior ranks.”

The Bulldogs pushed the undefeated Bombers hard in last year’s grand final, kicking seven goals in a 13.6.84 to 7.7.49 defeat.

Grogan has picked out some players he hopes will lead the side to another decider and maybe go one step better this time round.

The Bulldogs will begin their AFL Wide Bay campaign with a repeat of last year’s grand final against the Hervey Bay Bombers on Saturday, April 15 at NE McLean Oval in Torquay.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Tristan Taylor: centre half-back

“Tristan is our captain and was the Stedman Medal winner last year for the best and fairest in the league.

“We are looking for another big year from him. He’s tall and strong and for a big man has great skills below the knees.”

04/04/2023 – Tristan Taylor won the Stedman Medal for the Wide Bay AFL’s best and fairest player last season and coach Bradley Grogan is hoping for some more big performances from his captain this year. Picture: Mike Knott

Kyle Anderson: defender

“Kyle made the South Queensland squad last year and is one of our best defenders.

“We are looking for another strong year from Kyle, who won our best defender award in 2021, this season.”

Cody Woodrow: on baller

“Cody is my pick to win the league’s best and fairest medal this season.

“He is hard at the ball but is also a skilful midfielder.

“Cody had a great first season with us last year after coming across from ATW Eagles and hopefully we can get more of the same this season.”

Tyson Jater: centre

“This is Tyson’s first full season back after knee surgery interrupted his 2022 campaign.

“He is a big, strong, physical presence in the middle and I am expecting big things from Tyson this year and hopefully he gets a full campaign this time round.”

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Harry Hodgson: on baller

“Harry is a club junior who has come through the ranks after playing senior football at the age of 16.

“He is now reaching his peak and has silky skills.”

Harrison Tancredi: forward

"Harrison was our under-17s captain and I have earmarked him for a big year in seniors.

"It is good to see youngsters like Harrison getting a chance to play senior football."

Joel Saunders: forward

“Joel is primed for another big year after being named the club’s best and fairest for the past two seasons.

“He has been given a new role in the forward line but I am expecting big things from Joel again this campaign.”

04/04/2023 – Joel Saunders will be key for the Brothers Bulldogs again this season. Picture: supplied