Bogan Bulls first Indigenous round

Originally published in The Nyngan Weekly

The Bogan Bulls have created a ripple effect following their inaugural Indigenous round last weekend.

The Bulls played the combined Brewarrina/Bourke team on Saturday, celebrating the impact Indigenous people have in their clubs and on their game.

Coach Bryan Perry said the club has received great support from the league following the event and believes more clubs will follow suit.

“A lot of clubs have wanted to do this but it’s been a busy season and maybe it just hasn’t been locked it. This has created a massive ripple and I think a lot of teams will try and make it happen next year,” he said.

Player and Dunghutti/Biripi man Charlie Bradshaw was integral in getting the round up and running, and designed the teams Indigenous kit.

Mr Perry said following the game Bradshaw spoke to both teams and a large home crowd.

“He spoke really well at the after-match function. He welcomed everyone and acknowledged the land and people, as well as the Elders who were present.

“He spoke about the jersey and his journey to Nyngan, and where he is now. He said he wanted to include all the cultures that make the Bulls special in his design, not just the Indigenous guys in the team.”

Mr Perry said that Bre/Bourke were a great team to play against in their first Indigenous round, as they also have a significant number of Indigenous players in their team.

After a few weeks of hit and miss moments Mr Perry said the Bulls felt like they had their mojo back in their 35-15 win.

“We played with a lot of intensity; it was a good tough game. Everyone’s really lifted the intensity at training in the last three or four weeks. “We’ve had interruptions all season with family and work, and all those other commitments but it looks like we’ve got the team back.”

A large crowd helped spur on the team, with Mr Perry saying it’s always beneficial to have them on their side.

“It was a really good supportive crowd, the biggest crowd we’ve had this year. It was a good vocal crowd, and it’s definitely always better looking up at 50 people rather than five.

“I don’t know whether it’s been the cold weather or everyone else has been busy as well, but we’ve finally got the crowds back which is great.”

The duo of Wills, Bucknall and Boag, each had outstanding games, securing the Bulls points, but Perry said it was a team effort with the forwards toughness’ and backs’ finesse working as the perfect combination.

The Bulls will finish third on the ladder this season, securing themselves a home final but first they need to face the second-placed Warren.

Mr Perry said he’s excited for the Friday night game, which is always a tough one. Warren and the Bulls always have a strong match up, and the Bulls will be looking for revenge following their after-the-buzzer loss last time they met.

The rough run into finals will be good for the team Mr Perry said, with players reaching peak fitness.

“I don’t think it will wear us out. Everyone’s got their body in a position where they are fit and a bit battle hardened. I think maybe six weeks ago everyone would be feeling the effects of a heavy game, but I think everyone is good to keep showing up now.”