REGARDLESS of the outcome of Sunday’s do-or-die encounter against the Lavington Panthers, two players who will have every reason to feel justifiably proud of their efforts this season are Cootamundra Bulldogs’ young guns Joe Bradley and Matt Forsyth.
Key members of last year’s Weissel Cup premiership winning side, Bradley and Forsyth were again eligible for the under 18s in 2010, however such is their ability they have literally played every game in the top grade this season.
Bradley, who has been a part of the Canberra Raiders junior program for the past two years and who will be a member of the Toyota Cup squad in 2011, has been a revelation for the Bulldogs at lock, his work ethic and football smarts seeing him as a leading contender for the Les Boyd Medal for the best and most consistent player in the top grade.
Forsyth has made the left wing his own this season, however his versatility has also seen him jump in at hooker, halfback or fullback when required. He knows how to find the line, as evidenced by his three tries in last week’s victory over Temora while he boasts another arrow to his bow with his ability to land goals from all angles.
There has been a small minority of
people associated with the club who have
questioned the pair’s inclusion in first grade given the fact the Weissel Cup side is again in contention for the finals and many team members, including Bradley and Forsyth, are in line for a possible three-peat of premierships wins, having been part of the victorious Sullivan Cup side in 2008.
Bulldogs coach Les Boyd won’t buy into the argument as to where the talented teenagers should be playing.
“If you have the ability to play first grade, that’s where you should play and both Joe and Matt have the ability,” Boyd said.
“A footballer, or any sportsperson for that matter, should aspire to compete at the highest level possible and we are giving these two the chance to do that by playing first grade.
“They are among the best 13 players in the club this year so they deserve to be there, simple as that.”
Boyd said he has spoken to both players as to what their preferences were and both indicated they strive to play first grade.
“I understand it can be a difficult
situation, but I have asked both Joe and Matt and they are happy to play.
“If we were out of contention four weeks ago, I was all for them dropping back to their own grade and then maybe playing for us off the bench, but we’re still in the hunt for the finals so I need them to play firsts.
“Had we been beaten last week and couldn’t make the finals, they would be playing 18s this Sunday.”
The Bulldogs took a direction this year, one that was governed in part by the wishes of their supporters, that the club would rely predominantly on locally grown talent.
That was always going to lend itself to the possibility that some of the club’s most promising juniors would have to step up and play first grade.
Throwing the debate aside, Boyd has nothing but praise for Bradley and Forsyth.
“Joe has had a sensational year,” he said. “His work rate is great, he plays 80 minutes every week and does all the little things well.
“His defence is excellent, he wins the wrestle at the ruck and his attack has also been exceptional. He has easily been one of our best all year.
“Matt also has plenty of ability and proved last week against Temora that if he puts his mind to it he can be a massive weapon for us.
“We’ve also used Simon Lienesch and Jake Walsh regularly in first grade this year and both have huge futures.
“Jake is such a smart footballer, while Simon has played very well regardless of what position we have thrown him in at.”
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