With two of the Bulldogs’ preseason matches falling over and the collapse of their 13s Carnival after only one year, the Ovens and Murray club has been forced to reschedule its preseason.

Coach Jarrod Twitt said yesterday Wodonga would play Nathalia on March 10 and Cobram on March 19 with a chance of progressing to the grand final on March 26.

“We weren’t quite sure if enough sides were going to play in the 13s so we decided to call it off and then matches against a Wagga side and Shepparton United fell through,” Twitt said.

“It’s turned out all right in the end as the Barooga series is played mid-week against different opposition so it will be a good change for the boys.

“We’re looking forward to the games because it’s been a big preseason.”

Yarrawonga has drawn Rumbalara and Barooga in its opening matches on March 9 and 16 with the Pigeons expected to use the competition to blood as many youngsters as possible.

Twitt also plans to go with youth with 10 new players from last year’s finals side leaving the club over the off-season including Matt Shir, Nathan Laracy, Nick Raines, Simon Paton, Luke Trew, Brent and Heath Ohlin, Jared Worsteling, Brent Lewington and Dean Murphy.

Dangerous forward Chris Macey will start the year with the Bulldogs before missing a large chunk of the season on an overseas holiday.

“It’s going to be a new-look side for sure,” Twitt said.

“We have lost some good players and picked up some good players as well.

“Getting players back from the Murray Bushrangers and ‘H’ (Hayden Heta) and Thommo (Brad Thompson) returning strengthens us up a fair bit though.”

Wodonga will still host its district leagues’ preseason competition at John Flower Oval.

Meanwhile, former Wodonga premiership coach and AFL umpires coach Jeff Gieschen and media personality Sam Kekovich will be guest speakers at the Bulldogs’ president’s luncheon at the Commercial Club from 12pm on Friday.

Tickets are $100 a head and enquiries can be made (02) 6024 6377.