The Cootamundra Bulldogs 2024 campaign kicked off last Wednesday, with over 20 players turning out at Fisher Park to blow some rust out at the first of their five pre-Christmas sessions.
“It was a good turnout,” Cootamundra Bulldogs President Stephen Howse said.
“There was a mixture of juniors and seniors, but predominantly seniors, so there are already promising signs for next season.
“There was even a couple of people talking about hanging up their boots that were there, so it gives me confidence they might go around again next year.”
With another four sessions planned before the club breaks for the holidays, there’s plenty of opportunity to come down for a run and meet new coach and club stalwart David ‘DB’ Buttriss.
“DB (David Buttriss) is going to have five sessions prior to Christmas, which is each Wednesday, kicking off at 6 pm,” Howse said.
“It’s a good chance to get a feel for things, and if you’re apprehensive about playing, it is only once a week, so wander down on a Wednesday afternoon and get involved with a good bunch of blokes.”
After narrowly missing the George Tooke Shield finals in 2023, Howse is quietly confident that DB can turn things around and get the Bulldogs back in the finals picture.
“A few of the boys have been training already and look fit and healthy, which is great,” Howse said.
“There’s a good feeling, and DB is just excited about it all.
“He’s been talking about it since his appointment, and all he wanted to do was get the boys together and gauge how things are.
“He’s happy with what he has seen, and he is really big on morale, keeping everyone together and social, and making it enjoyable, and that’s a great start.”
It shapes as an important time for the club, especially with the Group 9 AGM set to be hosted on Sunday.
The club has made no official announcement regarding their future.
Still, it is expected that the Bulldogs will look to enter sides in both the Under-16s Sullivan Cup and under-18s Weissel Cup competitions while the men’s Tackle and women’s League Tag sides continue to play in the George Tooke Shield.
The Cootamundra Times will have all the major talking points from the Group 9 AGM in next Thursday’s edition.