THURGOONA has re-signed coach Brett Doswell for next season.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Doswell replaced premiership co-coaches Jayden Kotzur and Jamarl O'Sullivan at the helm and has the Bulldogs primed for their third flag in four seasons.
The Bulldogs suffered their second loss of the season against Chiltern on the weekend but are still assured of the minor premiership.
Doswell said he jumped at the opportunity to lead the league powerhouse for another season.
"I was always keen to do the job again," Doswell said.
"I just had to make sure I could commit 100 per cent again and it still fitted in with my work."
IN OTHER NEWS
Doswell is having his second stint at coaching after previously leading Hume league club Holbrook for three seasons.
He said he had held initial talks with the playing group about their plans for next season.
"I've talked to most of the players," he said.
"Obviously we have a lot of older guys and I'm just seeing who might be thinking of retiring and who might be going on.
"As well as re-signing all the younger guys."
Thurgoona has endured its fair share of injuries this season with Doswell, Josh Maher, Jesse Johnston, Mark Haydon, Blair Osmond and Dylan Rake missing on the weekend.
The Bulldogs clash with Dederang Mount Beauty on Saturday before enjoying the first week off during the finals series.
They will play either Chiltern or Barnawartha in the second semi-final.
Doswell said the week to freshen-up before playing in the second week of the finals could prove priceless.
"At the moment we have got a few of our bigger names on the sidelines," he said.
"Luckily we have got a lot more depth than most clubs which help covers the losses.
"But now that we have got a few long term injuries it isn't as strong as the start of the season."
Thurgoona remain flag favourites.
But recent losses to Tallangatta and Chiltern on the weekend has given rivals belief the Bulldogs are by no means unbeatable.
Doswell declared the premiership race wide open.
"After we played Chiltern in the opening round, internally we thought they were the real deal," he said.
"They had a bit to prove on the weekend and outplayed us.
"Barnawartha and Kiewa Sandy Creek are dangerous on their day.
"And Tallangatta rolled us, so it's going to be an exciting finals series."