Jindera adds plenty of experience to list in countdown to season

Former skipper Dan Middleton (Queensland), versatile tall Michael Blomeley (Melbourne) and Rhys Preston (Mitta United) have all returned to the club.

They join Ben Dower who also returns from a stint at Mitta United.

Kiewa-Sandy Creek premiership ruckman Tim Darcy also signed with the Bulldogs last season and will bolster their big man stocks.

In a further bonus Sam Crawshaw is back to full fitness after overcoming a shoulder complaint.

Bulldogs president Simon Cossor said the quintet were proven performers in the bush.

"All the recruits with the exception of Tim have played in grand finals at the club," Cossor said.

"Tim won a flag at Kiewa and boasts plenty of experience.

"Dan is a former captain and is highly regarded within the club.

"Rhys and Michael also have a lot of experience and will lead by example.

"To get players back is a promising sign and says a bit about the culture around the club."

Dower and Darcy are set to form one of the most formidable ruck combinations in the competition.

Their arrival will free Mitch Lawrence of ruck commitments with the versatile tall adept to playing across half-back as well as rotating through the midfield.

After making three consecutive grand finals from 2016-18 the Bulldogs won three matches in 2019 to finish 11^th.

But after adding a host of experience alongside the development of some promising kids, Cossor is hoping the Bulldogs' finals absence is short-lived.

"I think the list is shaping up to be more than competitive," he said.

"Even though we didn't play last year, we have been able to keep the list intact which is a promising sign.

"We have got some handy kids from the thirds coming through as well.

"Jack Bolton is going to Melbourne Grammar but wants to come home to play when he can.

"Liam Keating will be another kid who will be given senior opportunities."

Jindera is one of four clubs alongside Culcairn, Henty and Holbrook which underwent a combined $1.5-million upgrade over the off-season.

The Bulldogs have been training at Collings Park in East Albury over the pre-season.

The oval is on target to be ready in time for the commencement of the season.

The Bulldogs are set to play pre-season matches against Dederang Mt-Beauty and Finley.

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