After seeing his side lose a match in the final few minutes after dominating possession, you could forgive Dubbo Kangaroos coach Dean Matthews for being bitter on Sunday afternoon.
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But there was no sign of that.
While shattered to see his side knocked out of this season’s Blowes Clothing Cup by Bathurst Bulldogs, Matthews was quick to praise his players for their efforts during 2017.
“I’m really proud. We used a lot of young fellas in the side and we’ve got those few old heads and to look at their faces you can see how much it means to them,” he said after the 17-11 loss.
“In the huddle after the game they were really disappointed but that’s footy. Bathurst would have been the same in their huddle if they’d lost.
“But they (Bathurst) stuck it to us for 80 minutes and didn’t go away.”
The season also came to an end for the Roos’ third grade side on Sunday, beaten by Orange Emus, but the club’s colts outfit won through to set up a preliminary final clash with Orange City next weekend at Forbes.
A number of the players who were part of Sunday’s colts win received a taste of first grade under Matthews this season.
“Hopefully we can all get over to Forbes next Saturday and cheer them on and try to get them to the big dance,” he said.
“It was a bit disappointing to lose thirds and firsts but we’ve still got colts in so that’s one good thing.”
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
