SMYTHESDALE president Nick Gray says his club is not putting out a cry for help – the Bulldogs just want rival clubs to be mindful they are rebuilding.
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The Bulldogs were pushed into the national spotlight on Monday in the wake of a 429-point loss to Gordon in the Central Highlands Football League seniors.
Gray was fielding media calls from as far as Brisbane.
He said there was a sense of hurt in what had unfolded on the field and the extra external attention had added a little sting.
But the club would keep pushing forward, especially on the promising form in junior ranks this season.
“(The result) has made us take a fresh look at things, even though we knew going out there it was going to be tough against Gordon,” Gray said.
“... It’s highlighted the depth we need and it’s highlighted how well-trained we need to be.
“There’s a whole list of things ... but it does make it hard to encourage good players to join the club or stay at the club, or to find more sponsorship.
“The weekend’s performance tests how loyal the playing group is and how much effort the committee needs to put in now to support them.”
Smythesdale’s under-18 footballers had a 111-point win against Gordon the same day.
Gray said the club must reinforce its structures and pathways to keep such promising young talent at the club to develop as future seniors.
The Bulldogs’ netballers are competitive and the club is confident a couple of its junior outfits will be good enough to finish top-eight for finals.
Gray said the Bulldogs were determined to remain part of the CHFL so their juniors could play a good standard of football and netball.
Daylesford was also at the tough end of a lopsided result in CHFL senior football this round – the Spa Country-based Bulldogs lost by almost 30 goals to Ballan.
The club has been a powerhouse and regular grand finalist in the past decade, having recovered from a struggling period.
CHFL president Eddy Comelli said that, being a district competition, the league strived to support and keep small community clubs competing.
Competition enters a week’s break for interleague football, then Smythesdale will resume its campaign against Dunnstown at Dunnstown.
Gray hoped all Bulldogs players would continue to wear the club colours proudly.
melanie.whelan@fairfaxmedia.com.au
