The John Woolaston-coached Bulldogs were beaten by 46 points by the Tamworth Kangaroos at No 1 Oval, Tamworth on Saturday, losing 13.14 92 to 6.10 46 to the Brett Douglas-coached Roos.

This Saturday the Bulldogs host Inverell Saints at Wolseley Park after the Saints had 20.9 129 to 7.6 48 win over the Tamworth Swans, the side the Bulldogs are trying to offload the wooden spoon tag to.

The Bulldogs started promisingly against the Roos.

Andrew George and Woolaston were two of the team’s stars and along with Jordan Mulherin, Ryan Cooper, Luke Curgenven, Al Hillard and James Mack gave the Bulldogs plenty of push.

“They (Roos) are a physical side,”  Woolaston said.

“They capitalised on our sloppy defence and kept punishing us for our mistakes.”

He said the Bulldog numbers have dropped off at training .

“We had just eight of us there this week, both nights,” he said.

The Roos remained in third spot with their win and pleased coach Douglas.

He thought Rhett Graham was outstanding.

“He had a really good game,” he said.

“Matty Hughes played well again. I played him a few different positions again this week and he did well wherever I put him.

“Ryan Painter also had another big game in the ruck for us.

“He played four good solid quarters of football.”

Graham, Painter and Hughes were joined by Brad Rees, Matt Hopson and Ben Coombes on the Roos’ best player list.

The Roos are at home to Narrabri Eagles this week. The Eagles are coming off a big 27.15 177 to 9.10 64 home loss to the unbeaten New England Nomads.

TAFL TABLE

 New England Nomads 44 (266.67%), Inverell Saints 36 (218.48%), Tamworth Kangaroos 24 (108.22%), Narrabri Eagles 16 (68.68%), Tamworth Swans 8 (51.66%), Gunnedah Bulldogs 4 (46.78%).