SENIORs

Preview Report for BPL Semi Final against Peninsula Power

 

The Bulldogs are well and truly fired up for their first-ever appearance in a Premier League semi-final, with their sights set on the Grand Final at Perry Park next week.

They kick off at AJ Kelly Field, Kippa Ring, home turf for their opponents Peninsula Power, at 5pm on Saturday.

The committee has organised a bus to ensure as many supporters will be there as possible to celebrate this milestone in the club’s 36-year history. A number of life members will make the trip to see the culmination of their dream.

Coaching spokesman Mark Pritchard said that, with the exception of Sam Roper, who has other commitments, all players are fit and fully committed for the big event and Aaron McAllister returns after missing the last fixture of the season.

Aaron’s return is a boost for us, Pritchard said. He has been in good form all season and his strength and determination are invaluable to the side.

He and Joel Drewek are key components of the engine room which has made the club such a success, creating any number of goal-scoring opportunities.

Danny Ngaluafe has relished the opportunity to demonstrate his beautiful skills with the ball, and he, too, can be relied on to initiate attacking raids.

Greg Thomas will have to score well to regain his rightful place as the league’s Golden Boot, but he will have stiff competition from penalty king Josh Sherwood and from John Viney, who still has a chance of making the Top Ten.

Dominik Hudak, too, has a personal point to prove, so they will all be lining up to score.

Andy Houghton will need another clean sheet if he is to knock U14 BJL’s Tom Madgwick off the club’s keeper supremo list.

Hard-driving captain Geoff Hurford is another whose contribution has had enormous impact throughout the season. His ability in the air has been paramount, his last-minute header in the final fixture against Power vital to his side staying in the top four.

With his back line of Jamie Austen, the new-look Joel Stormon, fresh back from injury and at full strength once again, and with players such as Daley Kemel on tap, he will be all out to keep Power at bay.

The squad also could include keeper Jono Burrowes, Robbie Nemeth, Darren Homer, Josh Purton and Jake Sherwood. Reserves stalwarts Nic Broomham, Linc Thew, Daniel Farmer, Mark Hynes and many others will be on the sideline cheering their mates on.