IT wasn't the most enthralling contest after halftime, with the Bulldogs running away with an 88-point win, but Saturday's match between Tarrawingee and Goorambat made two things very clear.
One is that the Bats will surprise a few sides this season, and look capable of doubling their 2011 win tally.
The other is that anyone writing off the Bulldogs as a spent force will be doing so at their own peril.
Tarrawingee may have lost a few more guns over the off season, but it has also added a handful, and those who played on Saturday Joe Doyle, Tom Arnold and Tim O'Donoghue all had an impact in the 23.17 (155) to 10.7 (67) win.
Add Chris Daws and Brad Miller to that list in the coming weeks and there is every chance the Dogs will be better than they were last year, when they were a kick away from a third flag in four years.
By - SCOTT ANDERSON.
SANDWICHED: Tarrawingee's Aaron Vihm gets a kick away despite being mobbed by Goorambat opponents during Saturday's match.
PHOTO: Cheryl Browne
Last Modified on 02/04/2012 15:25