THURGOONA has made a mockery of the theory its ageing list could be on a downhill slide after claiming the prized scalp of defending premier Kiewa-Sandy Creek on Saturday.
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After proving no match for the Hawks in last years decider, many pundits predicted the Bulldogs could be too slow this season without the injection of some youth and additional leg speed.
But it was the Hawks who were made to look slow on Saturday as the bigger bodied Bulldogs thrived in the slippery conditions and the small ground at Tangambalanga.
The Bulldogs dominated the clearances early and did most of the attacking in the first quarter to open up a handy 26-point buffer at the first change.
Charlie Williams led the charge with Kane Westlow and Kade Brown also in the thick of the action.
The Hawks were expected to come out breathing fire in the second quarter but it was the Dogs who once again dominated.
After scoring a solitary point in the opening term, the Hawks were kept scoreless while the visitors added a further two goals to open up a match-winning 39-point lead at the main break.
The premiers showed some fight early in the third-quarter but never made any serious inroads into the deficit as Thurgoona cruised to a 14.8 (92) to 6.6 (42) victory.
Newly appointed Bulldogs coach Brett Doswell said the impressive win would do wonders for the Dogs' self- belief.
"We will take a lot of confidence out of that," Doswell said.
"We have changed things up a bit from last year and our first half was pleasing.
"In the slippery conditions we wanted to be first to the ball, give the first option and pump it long into our forward line and we were able to achieve that.
"With our recruits we have got a lot of guys who can play multiple positions and gives us a lot of flexibility.
"I think the past couple of years players have been pigeon-holed into positions which makes you a lot more predictable for the opposition."
Spearhead Matt Fowler capitalised on the midfield dominance to finish with five goals including a snap from deep in the pocket in the third-quarter which was a highlight.
Hawks coach Adam Mudra was full of praise for the opposition.
"Full credit to Thurgoona, they were terrific today," Mudra said.
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