THE presence of Country Cockatoos star Mahe Fangupo in the Forbes Platypi lineup will make the Bathurst Bulldogs’ Blowes Clothing Cup trip this Saturday that extra bit harder.
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Fangupo, playing his second game back from injury, will be certain to inspire a Forbes side who are playing in front of their home crowd after a win over Orange City last round.
Bulldogs won’t be short on confidence either following their spectacular win over the previously unbeaten Orange Emus at Ashwood Park on Saturday.
Bathurst already boast a win at home over the Platypi this season but Bulldogs coach Dean Oxley believes Forbes become a different beast on their own turf – especially when Fangupo is on the scene.
“Orange City spoke about Forbes playing for the full 80 minutes, as you expect them to each week, and that the were strong over the full game in defence,” he said.
“Mahe Fangupo is back playing for Forbes now and he’s a critical member of their team, being the Country Championships player of the tournament.
I want the boys to show that they’re mentally tough and up for this challenge.
- Dean Oxley
“We understand what we have to do to control him. We haven’t won away from home this season so a concern for us is to try and get that win away from the ‘Dog house’.
“Forbes have had a difficult start to the season but we know they’re too good not to bounce back.”
Despite the Bulldogs’ slip ups in their two away fixtures the team remains in second place on the table.
Bulldogs are guaranteed to hold onto that position regardless of how this Saturday’s game pans out.
However, another win over the Platypi will allow the ’Dogs to keep pace with Emus and bring a qualifying semi-final place closer to fruition.
The win over Emus took its toll on the Bulldogs but Oxley said the club’s depth has helped the first grade squad cope.
“We won that first game but this will be a different sort of match playing them at home. After our game with Emus we’ll also have a few players out,” he said.
“In the lead up to this game I’m going to be focusing on that semi-final loss we had against Forbes last season. That was a game the team should have won.
“Compare that to last weekend where we took the game to our opponent. We were linking up well and putting the ball in space.
“I want the boys to show that they’re mentally tough and up for this challenge.”
Adam Powell and Josh Arrow are among the latest casualties for the Bulldogs.
Harry Peacock’s position in the team for Saturday’s match remains uncertain.
