Reece Jaeger has found the 80-minute footballer within. And now he wants Gunnedah to follow suit, as he imparts his big-match pedigree on a side aiming to fully tap their substantial talent reserves.
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Fresh from one of his best games of the season, in Gunnedah’s 34-28 elimination final win over Werris Creek last Saturday, Jaeger said the Bulldogs were yet to deliver an 80-minute performance this year.
Naturally, he hopes that changes when they confront Kootingal-Moonbi in the preliminary final at Kooty on Saturday – a grand final date with the Bears awaiting the victor.
“As I said, we still haven’t put that 80-minute game together but I’m more than happy with the position that we’re in,” he said.
“As a side, it just hasn’t fully clicked. But we’ve clicked together – we’re on the same page. We know our roles, we know our jobs.
“And if we just stick to that game plan, don’t get away from the things that work for us, than we’re in a much better position than when we went down to them [the Roosters] over there [Kootingal] early in the season.”
The Roosters mugged Gunnedah in the first half in round six, en route to winning 38-16.
In the Bulldogs’ next match, a narrow win over the Blues in Narrabri, Jaeger “popped” three rib cartilages and missed three matches, returning for the side’s 42-10 away win over Boggabri.
Jaeger’s first 80-minute game after returning from injury was the Bulldogs’ 26-24 loss to North Tamworth in the qualifying final at Jack Woolaston Oval on August 19.
“The last couple of games have got me back on track. [I’m] starting to produce some better footy, which I’m happy with,” he said.
Gunnedah followed the Norths loss with the win over Werris Creek, although it was an inconsistent display.
Jaeger hopes to use his experience to help the side maximise their potential.
A former Sydney Roosters and South Sydney under-20 player, he returned home to Gunnedah this year after a lengthy playing stint in Wollongong’s first-grade competition, including grand final wins with Thirroul (2014) and Collegians (2017).
He said: “I’m more than happy to offer that experience.
“And again, if I need to step up out on the field, [I will].”
