There's enough experienced players within the Dubbo FC squad to know a loss in the opening round of the season really means nothing in the grand scheme of things.
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But it's how you respond that makes all the difference.
Last year's premiers began the new campaign with a close-fought 1-0 loss to Macquarie in a reverse of the 2020 grand final.
The Bulls were gallant as they played most of the match without goalkeeper Hayden Williams, who was sent off.
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This weekend the Bulls host Panorama FC of Bathurst and forward Alex Richardson-Bell said last weekend's result didn't leave a lasting impact on his side.
"I'm no captain or coach but I think we're pretty happy where we are," he said.
"I think I can say for the playing group that we've had a pretty good start to things despite that loss."
Consistency and a strong core group has been key to the Bulls' success for more than a decade now but there was a major change during the most recent off-season.
Long-serving coach Jason Schink departed, with players Kobe Rapley and James Leonard stepping up as captain-coaches.
There's been changes on the field as well.
This weekend I'm sure the boys will be ready to go out and make their mark.
- Alex Richardson-Bell
Kane Settree and Dylan Jarvis made their WPL debuts in round one while Tom McKeon has also returned to the side after some time away.
"Kobe and James have stepped up really well and the boys have reacted positively," Richardson-Bell.
"This team has been together for a long time so any change is always difficult but it's all about stepping up and moving forward.
"Kane was exceptional last weekend and while Dylan probably didn't get the minutes he wanted, when he was out there he was exceptional as well."
With the core group - headlined by Scott Fox, Leonard, and Nelson Flick, getting older there was a taste of the next generation in action for the Bulls last year as Thomas Busch and Dom Ambler played their part in the side's success while Settree and Jarvis have now added to that.
"It's always great to see the younger guys, just from a Dubbo perspective," Richardson-Bell said.
"It's great to see younger guys give the older ones a run. It's great to see them not only play, but flourish."
In terms of Saturday's match, another tight battle is expected between the Bulls and Goats.
The sides played three times last year with both regular season matches finishing 1-all before the Dubbo side scored a tight 1-0 win in the semis.
"This weekend I'm sure the boys will be ready to go out and make their mark," Richardson-Bell added.
"A loss is a loss but it's how you bounce back from that."
Kick-off is 4.30pm.
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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.
