GROUP NINE
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WITH more experience than any other Group Nine coach, Cootamundra's new head Mark Elia has done his homework.
He fancied a change of pace while coaching leaguetag this season, but Elia has made a return to the top job to resurrect the Bulldogs' fearsome Group Nine reputation.
While barracking from the sidelines this year, the former New Zealand international kept a record of mental notes that he believes will restore the Bulldogs to their former glory.
All that's missing is the "X- factor".
"Everyone likes their home-based players and that's what Cootamundra is about, but even our top players know we need a couple of X-factor guys from out of town to make a good combination," he told The Daily Advertiser yesterday.
"I can't remember the last hometown team to win the comp."
Elia coached the Bulldogs to Group Nine finals in 2008 and 2009, before taking Junee to the grand final in 2010.
After securing the sought-after signatures of hometown stars Grant Boyd and Aaron Byrne this week, the next job on Elia's agenda is to lock down an experienced player to fit the local mix.
"I coached back in 2008 and that was a great year for the club," he said.
"We want to try and get everyone back on board from '08 and get back to that feeling when we were happy with the balance of the team.
"If we can get a few 'X-factors' along ... we'll be very competitive.
"We'll be typical Cootamundra respect everyone, but fear no one."
Elia said the Bulldogs were working to retain the likes of locals Michael Murphy, Nathan Corby, Grant Miller and Dave Edwards.
Although his grand plans are slowly falling into place, Elia remained tight-lipped on what to expect from the Bulldogs next season.
"I don't want to give too much away, but there's things I would like to change," he said.
"I've lived in the area for 17 years now, so I have thoughts on everything I know every game is going to be tough next year.
"We need to work on our depth, but that's pretty standard.
"Of course every team needs a starring centre, someone to pass the ball to and make something out of nothing.
"Without sitting on the fence, it's hard to go for a certain position when we'll grab someone for any position if they're available."
With the addition of Elia at the Bulldogs, the Group Nine coaching structure is complete for the upcoming season.