However, the incumbent Bulldogs captain is confident she and her young team are perfectly placed to break into finals next year and build on the foundation left by departed mentor Meegan Johnson.

Mattingly, 27, grew up in Wagga but left for university at Wollongong nine years ago. She returned last year to play for her 'family' club, and has no doubt she's best placed to build on Johnson's sole year at the helm.

I was the captain this year and we worked pretty closely together," she said.

"Turvey's my family club, that's where all my brothers and sisters have played.

"This season we had so many girls playing their first year of A-grade, and I couldn't believe how well they played. They absorbed everything they were told to do, so I'm looking forward to working with them more for next year.

"I worked with them a bit this year, so it will be good to have that continuity."

Mattingly will also dictate the game plan on court at centre and said narrowly missing the top five this year will give the group belief.

"This will be my first season playing and coaching, it will be challenging but we've got things in place to help me out. We'll have some rotating, trustworthy eyes on the sideline," she said.

"I hoped to coach a grade below this year, but I just couldn't commit. My plan was to get into it next year but probably didn't see myself doing A-grade, because Meg was in the role and she was so fantastic.

"We can't wait to get back actually, we feel like we've got unfinished business. We've had some tough games that didn't quite go our way, but building those young girls up should make all the difference."

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