Coming off the general bye, the Bulls led 24-6 at half-time and scored five unanswered tries in the second half to send the Bulldogs packing.

Amid the carnage, however, Skinner did not try to rub salt into the wounds – even taking time to give the losers an endorsement.

“I think they’re building,” Skinner said.

“They played with a lot of spirit ... they definitely didn’t roll over.

“I thought defensively we were a lot better, but attacking wise there were still a few errors at times.

“Generally I’m pretty happy. I think we’re moving in the right direction.”

Southcity seems sure to get a more realistic test of their progress when they play Young at Alfred Oval next Sunday.

"Young over there will be tough as well,” Skinner said.