New season gets underway for UNSW-ES Bulldogs

Backing up from a successful season isn’t easy. From the inevitable retirements as players decide it’s best to go out on a high, to the weight of expectation on the shoulders of those who are left. For a club like UNSW-ES Bulldogs, there is no flying under the radar – as a club they will have a target on their backs going into the 2019 season.

For the women’s Premier Division team, this weight of expectation is nothing new. The premiership in 2018 was their third on the trot – and they’re aiming to make it a fourth this year.

Assistant coach Jemma Still is making sure her players keep their eyes firmly ahead as the season begins.

“Whilst we expect to be hunted during the 2019 season, we actually only have five players in the squad who have played in all three premierships,” she said. “This means that each year we set new goals as a team, and we take these objectives and make them our own. Every premiership is savoured, but they are memories now and we're just focussed on the season ahead.”

For Still, who played her 250th game last season, it’s a strange feeling not to be out on the field as the season gets underway. 

“After having played for the past 16 years, it's hard not to be pulling on the boots for the 2019 season but it's definitely the right decision for me,” she said. “I'm loving having the opportunity to pass on my knowledge to the squad and work on game strategy and skill development. I jump into the drills sometimes to have a kick around, so it's the best of both worlds for me.”

President Stephen Dunkley has guided the club to its current structure and culture after taking over the presidency in 2017. While he is excited about the season getting started, his role involves looking further into the future and securing the long-term success of the club – both on and off the field.

“While we have enjoyed success over previous seasons there are a number of issues that will continue to hinder our position, namely facilities that will accommodate men and women in the Eastern Suburbs,” he said. “I am lucky to have a great executive team that do their jobs well, but like most amateur organisations, we are always looking for more volunteers and game day support.”

The major coup for Dunkley over the off-season has been the appointment of former Sydney Swans player Dean Towers to the head coaching role for the Bulldogs. Towers, who is studying Exercise Physiology at UNSW, has been instrumental in challenging the players to take their skills and work ethic to the next level.

“We have been extremely fortunate to recruit Dean to replace last year’s premiership coach, Steve Pollock who has returned home to South Australia,” Dunkley said. “Dean has fitted in seamlessly, taken particular interest in the junior pathways and brought his wealth of AFL experience to training. He is a great get for our club.”

With the club starting its season with five wins across its eight matches, it looks like their may be more celebrations in their future. But nothing is guaranteed in sport and it will be a hard road ahead to main their culture of success.