For the third consecutive year, the Bulldogs women’s league tag side claimed the top gong at the end of the regular season.

But this year, the club secured a second minor-premiership, as Peter Lefley’s under 18s leap-frogged the Albion Park-Oak Flats Eagles in the final round, to secure the title.

Club president Greg Cassin said the club is extremely proud of both teams, alongside the improving first and reserve grade men’s sides.

“It’s certainly been a great year for the club, both on and off the field,” Cassin said.

“The club has worked hard to get to this point, which includes their standing in both the game and the local area down here, over the past couple of years.

“We’ve tried to shift the culture at the club, to be more family orientated and the success of the under 18s and league tag women have put weight to that.

“This is only just the start - we are aiming for bigger and better things in the future, as these current under 18s and our under 16s league tag players are big parts of the future of this club.”

Cassin admits that the club decided to take this stance, with a view for the future, for the good of the club.

“Despite the two men’s teams not making finals, they are still headed in the right direction too,” he said.

“It’s been a conscious effort by the committee members and myself that it’s better to nurture talent, rather than go out and buy players each and every year.

“Look at this year for example, we had a good mix of local players and a number of experienced campaigners in our first grade side and we were solid.

“The team were unlucky on a number of occasions but have come on leaps and bounds from last season – which is a testament to the loyalty that everyone has soon to the club.”

Both the Bulldogs finals teams will enjoy the weekend off before playing for a spot in their respective major semi-finals on Sunday, September 3.

“The under 18s and women’s league tag sides have been level headed this year and haven’t gotten too far ahead of themselves, despite their on-field success,” Cassin said.

“The semi-finals are here, which are a completely different kettle of fish.

“Obviously the women have been in this position before and have their own demons to exercise – but they are excited and focused on the task at hand.

“And the under 18s, under the astute tutelage of Peter Lefley, are continuing to work hard on the training paddock and know that the job isn’t done and are looking forward to the challenge in the coming weeks.”