In 2020, Andy Mack tried his hand at a new role and this AFL North West season, he'll try another.
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The backman-turned-goal-kicking force will coach Gunnedah in 2021 as the Bulldogs chase a third consecutive premiership.
Mack takes over from Doug Meagher who won two flags in two years with the Dogs.
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While they'll be big shoes to fill, president Mark Barrow said Mack was the right man for the job.
"He's been around forever and a day. He's seen the ups and down and I think it's a pretty good time for him to step up," Barrow said of Mack.
"He's played back most of his life and then he played up forward all last year. He's got a good knowledge of the game, the boys love him, everyone respects him and I think he'll bring plenty to the role."
There's plenty of new things at the Bulldogs this season.
A new men's coach, new president - Barrow has taken over from Hamish Russell - and now, potentially, a new team.
"We put an expression of interest out for all juniors and made up teams from whatever ages we got," Barrow said.
The club received plenty of support for a youth girls - under 17s - team to join the club's under 14s side in the junior ranks.
"John [Woolaston] is going to look after the 17s girls if the league gets it going," Barrow said.
The club will also kick off their Auskick program on April 23 - which will be run by Ryan Cooper - while the men's and women's teams will both contest the Crossroads Cup on April 10.
The pre-season tournament will give Mack a chance to see his troops in action and Barrow thought one youngster was in for a big year.
"Des Tuckerman is coming through and looking really good," Barrow said.
"He's really matured as a player and he'll be one to watch."
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