The Cootamundra Bulldogs have continued their re-signing spree, as the club looks to lock down the best of its local talent for their return to the Group Nine competition in 2025.
Former Les Boyd Medallist Jack Caldwell is the latest big name to put pen to paper ahead of the upcoming campaign, with the utility back set to be joined by another experienced head in Jordyn Ballard, giving the Bulldogs some much needed experience that will be crucial to success in the big league.
Bulldogs First Grade Coach David Buttriss said that the confirmation that Caldwell will be back in blue and white in 2025 is “unreal” for the club.
“Jack is a local junior, and he’s one of those guys that everyone wants to play with, he puts his body on the line with everything he does and he’s very talented,” he said.
“There’s always a few options where we can put Jack throughout the year as well, we are really looking forward to seeing how he goes.
“Last year he started in the centres and finished the year at fullback.
“Jack is the type of player that you could put him in the middle in the forwards and he will do that defensive work.
“There’s plenty of options for him.”
Club stalwart Jordyn Ballard is another key member of the Bulldogs’ backline, and a player Buttriss expects to add plenty of experience to the squad in the Group 9 campaign for next season “Jordyn was a big target on my radar just to help us go back into Group 9,” Buttriss said.
“He’s had a few dramas with a few injuries over the last few years, but he has got himself pretty rock hard fit at the moment and he is really keen.
“He is one of our leaders and we are looking forward to seeing him back in Group 9.”
In another good signing for the club, teenage prodigy Corey Gale has re-committed to the club for their return to first division footy.
“Corey is a really good signing for us,” Buttriss said.
“He is a young local junior, a very talented player, and he filled in for a couple of games throughout last season in George Tooke and one game there he was the best player on the field.
“We can’t wait to see him out there.”
The Bulldogs are still negotiating with players, and more signings are expected to be announced over the coming weeks in the Cootamundra Times.
-Tallon Smith
