Round 4 2021 – Preview

But somebody obviously forgot to tell Jindera.

The Bulldogs achieved the remarkable feat of winning four straight finals twice in four years – in 2008 and again in 2011.

Jindera’s 2008 premiership side is widely regarded as the most talented in league history and few were surprised it won the flag the hard way.

But the barnstorming September run by the Bulldogs in 2011 was certainly against the odds.

Coached by Ken Stevenson, the Bulldogs went from a late-season stagger to a finals swagger with confidence-building victories over Henty, Brock-Burrum and Culcairn during the finals.

Despite their giant killing run most pundits expected Holbrook to take a power of beating in the decider.

Coached by Jarrod Twitt, the Brookers’ trump card was Michael Lamb but also boasted the players the calibre of Azzi medallist Mikal Bloom, Mitch Palmer, Zac Fulford and Jim Grills.

The Bulldogs also had stars in Mark Hilton, Ash Sibraa, Trent Castles and Daniel Cassidy.

In a memorable grand final, Holbrook reeled-in a 23-point half-time deficit to draw level at the final change and set-up a grandstand finish.

With the match up for grabs the biggest query was whether playing four consecutive finals had finally taken its toll on Jindera.

Tom Weldon alongside Mick Blomeley, Nathan Chamings and Matt Osborne are the only Bulldogs still running around this season.

Weldon fondly recalls how the final quarter unfolded.

“Holbrook charged to the three-quarter time huddle with all the momentum after a big third quarter and we knew it would take something special to withstand the challenge,” Weldon said.

“The first goal was going to be crucial and I remember taking a contested mark and was lucky enough to slot my fourth goal of the match.

“It helped turn the momentum and I think from memory Brett Garland and Mark Hilton both got goals in quick succession to give us some breathing space.

“We ended up winning by five goals which was a fitting tribute for a few of our club legends in Hilton, Aaron Lezius, Ryan Storey and Kade Duel who were retiring.

“It was a massive day for the club after the reserves, A-grade and intermediate netball also winning.”

The Bulldogs are set to celebrate their most recent flag when they hold a 10-year reunion on the weekend.

They play CDHBU who alongside Osborne and Holbrook remain the only undefeated sides after three rounds.

The club has got a function after the match with 2011 president Mark Lynch set to present the premiership trophies to the triumphant coaches in Stevenson, Jerim Hayes, Bree Kirk and Fiona Brown.

Weldon, who is closing in his 300-match milestone, still feels fortunate to be playing with his beloved Bulldogs.

“Reminiscing about the grand final makes me feel a bit old but I’m lucky I’m still playing I guess,” he said.