This weekend against Junee marks the last round before the semis start, however results already mean that first grade, reserve grade, leaguetag and the 16s will miss out. 

That said, the men and women will line up on Les Boyd Oval on Sunday with plenty to play for to round out the season on a positive note in front of what is hoped to be a strong home crowd. 

Under 18s coach Heath Lomax said his boys are thrilled to be through. Sitting in fifth place three points clear of the Young Cherrypickers, the boys have already cemented their place, however Lomax said they will head into Sunday with a mindset that their finals series has already started. 

“There’s a chance we could end up playing Junee two weeks in a row (this weekend and the following) so we want that psychological advantage of having a win under our belt after this weekend,” Lomax said.

He will be looking to his halves in Harrison Howse and Jarrod Prosser to take control for the Bulldogs setting up play and leading their side around the park. 

“If those two can step up we should be with a really good chance,” Lomax said. 

With the under 18s made up of around five players from last year’s Bulldogs 18s and the rest stepping up from the 16s, they are a young side which means size isn’t always on their side. 

“Our forwards are not the biggest going around but if they can play a smarter game, rather than a physical one, we can wear the opposition down,” Lomax said. 

Whatever the boys do they will have to do it without hooker Joe Lewis, which is a blow to the side, however Dan Maher, a quality footballer in his own right, can slot into the position from his usual spot at lock. 

Lewis broke his hand at football last weekend and is likely to miss four to six weeks. If the 18s make it through to the grand final he is a chance of playing, however Lomax said his prospects are not particularly great at this stage. 

Like their senior counterparts, the side has been plagued with injury, however a few key players should be back for the start of the semis including last year’s under 16s best and fairest Chris Fredericks and Group Nine rep player Mick Hinds. 

The side is on a roll at the right end of the season having won their last four matches so head into Sunday with form on the board. 

“Confidence should be high,” Lomax said. 

After the 16s won the Grand Final last year, it has been a steep learning curve for many of the boys to step up a grade, however one which sets the Bulldogs up for a cracking 18s side next year as many of this year’s players will still be eligible age-wise to play again.