AS the Bathurst Bulldogs charged into this season's Ferguson Cup finals series on the back of a 77-point victory over Cowra-Canowindra, there was something more pleasing for acting captain Nicole Schneider than the final margin.
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It was the way the Bulldogs came together as a unit and put everything into that 82-5 victory to ensure they locked in third spot on the ladder.
She knows that sort of effort and cohesion will be important as Bulldogs look for their third consecutive premiership crown.
"Everyone really supported each other well and put their 100 percent effort in ... that was the thing that stood out for me, everyone's discipline and the support for each other," she said.
"It was really good to see before finals because finals footy, it's always anything can happen. But as long as we all stick together and work together, I think we'll have a good crack at it."
Last year the Bulldogs' path to the decider involved a 55-5 major semi-final win over the Orange Emus then a hard-earned 19-10 preliminary final victory over West Wyalong.
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Schneider would love for her Bulldogs to once again go unbeaten through the finals series, but knows the second chance they earned by finishing the regular season in the top four could come into play.
"Top four get two chances, so that's a big bonus - Wyalong, Emus, Forbes, Temora, they're all great teams and anything can happen, so having that second chance is really good," she said.
"I can't wait to see what happens, anything could happen. The top eight is a really strong top eight, so I think there'll be a few shocks amongst the group."
While the other four Bulldogs outfits which have qualified for their respective finals will not be in action this weekend, Schneider said their support will help to inspire a Ferguson Cup success.
"The whole club at the moment is just buzzing, the support amongst every grade. The boys come and watch us, we stay back and watch them, it's just a great club," she said.
The Bulldogs will do battle with West Wyalong in the qualifying final from 1pm Saturday at Molong.