Doggies supporters swarmed the field at full-time last Sunday, August 30, as the Avalon A Grade crew took back-to-back Premierships after holding off the Mona Vale Raiders for an 18-14 win at Brookvale Oval.
Those north of the Bilgola Bends have been grinning all week.
Chandler Walton, Jake Crutch and Taine Allen took tries for the Bulldogs, with Chandler's successful conversions stats at 2 out of 3 and he kicked a penalty goal.
The utter determination by the whole squad didn't let up for a moment.
Avalon Bulldogs also won historic back-to-back A Grade Premierships across the 2016 and 2017 Seasons, with athletes who played in those premierships, Will Kelly, Kurt Stevenson - who played his 350th game in June 2025 - Max Barry et al, alongside a group of new and upcoming players, some of whom have excelled with other clubs across Sydney, the Central Coast and even the Northern Rovers region prior to joining the Bulldogs.
After their win in the 2025 competition, Bulldogs Coach Haig Sare had a large cohort of players alongside those 2025 backbone team members and kept the focus on developing their skills, working as a team to achieve their common goal, and working to lessen the impacts of injuries on the individual athletes and team - no one played all 18 games this year.
In an interview after the Grand Final win Haig explained some of the focus for the 2026 Season.
Haig Sare: 2026 Post-Grand Final
The 2026 Season was again 15 rounds of games and then 3 rounds of Finals, over 5 months of training and game days -- what was the plan this year after winning the Premiership last year?
I knew it's always hard to win back to back. Last year everything was fresh, everything was new. There was no pressure at all, there weren't any expectations. This year, being the defending premiers, there is that expectation. It's hard to keep everyone motivated for the entirety of the year.
The plan, basically, was to try and keep people as motivated as possible. When you've already had it, potentially you're not quite as hungry. That was a challenge, so you focus on the little things that it takes to ensure that you've got a winning culture. We also worked to make it an enjoyable season because there's lots of ups and downs. Just staying connected and committed, basically, that was a real focus of ours. There were quite a few injuries as well.
You've achieved, a decade later, the second back-to-back Doggies A-Grade Premierships. The boys won 2016 and 2017. Will and Kurt were in that 2016 and the 2017 team. Jed won in the under-17s in 2016 then moved up into A-grade in 2017 and was part of that squad. You had that backbone cohort that had been there before. Along with the stalwarts you took on a BIG cohort of players this year – how did you keep them happy with getting enough game minutes, and was there enough for a Bronze A-Grade side?
We would have loved an A-reserve grade. We were just short of a fraction of numbers. So we stayed with just the one squad. That was a challenge in itself as well, because when you've got extra numbers, which you require as a squad to get the result, that meant some players would miss out. What I was so proud of was the way the boys were able to accept that it's going to be a team and squad effort. When things don't go their way, they were able to dig deep - and because of an injury with one member - then all of a sudden they're playing the full 70 minutes. They were all fully committed to keeping themselves ready to run. It's always good to have those seasoned guys, but some of the younger fellas, they're just so well-respected. They've done that - they earnt that respect. They're Doggies through and through and it just helps with the club culture.
A few of the boys have mentioned that you're the best coach they've ever had. What have you got to say to that?
They mustn’t have had many coaches.
There must be something in it though; they recognise positive growth in themselves as individuals and when it's coming together as a squad …. you played union as a professional, were Head Coach at Warringah .... they know that they know...
That's very kind. I love the boys. I'd say it's a double edged sword. I really connect with the lads and the way my coaching style is, I still think of myself as just a player and I try and relate to them how I want to be spoken to.
When you're that close to the guys, which is awesome, they can really buy into and want to play for you. But if you've got to pass on bad news, it makes it even more difficult. When you're a little bit more separated, you can be a bit more cutthroat.
I'm humbled to hear them say that because I respect the boys. But I think, your experience in playing the game, even if another code, has given you that depth that they understand, that they respect. Footy environments, like most sporting environments, are similar.
There's definitely crossover. Their skills are the same, but the way you to be led or learn, there's no difference. Footy players are footy players, so I could relate to the lads. They're lunatics, but they're my lovable lunatics.
What makes a good team?
You've got to have high standards, and it's got to be a culture of confidence. That comes down to, in my mind, how blokes communicate with each other. I talk to the guys regularly about that; however you speak to someone, often you'll get a mirror back.
Everyone makes mistakes, we need to accept that. If you're going to be harsh at them, you're going to get defence back, but if we all communicate in a way that's right, how can we not learn from that? It makes it more of a problem-solving team and keeps everything more harmonious.
It's fortunate to have some real mongrel in a footy team. I said as well to the lads; I prefer a bunch of lunatics you've got to try and tame, rather than having guys who are a little more passive and get the aggression out of them. We had aggression in spades, and it was our job to try and harness that and keep it in control, and point it in the right direction.
What your best moment of, and, part over the season?
The best moment was obviously the Grand Final win. The best part was the back end, I'd say two weeks of the season. The wheels fell off after Cromer, I think we had five injuries. Our form dropped and it could have gone either way. We lost the major semi.
But what happened there, what I saw from guys coming back against doctor's orders, because they were so committed to the team and the outcome that we're trying to achieve, was how much it meant to them and what they're willing to put their bodies through, I was just in awe. To then to see the result, I was so happy for them. The last couple of weeks, we went the long way, obviously losing the major semi and then getting to beat Narrabeen, which we felt like we righted that wrong and then come back with the Grand Final with guys who were absolutely busted.
Kelso had a surgery the day after the grand final. He was told to retire weeks ago. Mitch Donnelly broke his thumb. Chad Walton also broke his thumb. Luke Toon couldn't walk, he couldn't stand up on his foot. Jake Crutch was playing despite injury as well. Seeing that the guys would front up and put a performance on, I was in awe of them. That's real courage.
Jazmin Ball, Manager for the Bulldogs A-Grade Bulldogs team, and supporter of women's participation in playing rugby league, launching and managing the club’s first Girls Blues Tag teams, is a sport administration professional who has recently taken on a job with NSW Rugby League while completing a Bachelor of business, Sport and Fitness Administration/Management. In a few weeks her volunteer focus at the Avalon Bulldogs Junior Rugby League Football Club will turn to the Touch Footy for the littlies - that will run until just before Christmas. A few insights from her Season;
Jazmin Ball: 2026 Post-Grand Final
Congratulations, done it again, an absolutely mega effort - have you stopped to exhale yet?
It doesn't stop. Right now, we're already thinking about next season.
You were so calm and quiet throughout the year - even at the Grand Final you just quietly went about your job and even when the boys were jumping around afterwards, you're standing there, calmly smiling. Does it feel like you're being the mum sometimes?
It feels like I am a mother to men. I think this year was obviously pretty special because we'd won last year. But we also welcomed a lot of new players this year, so welcoming them into this family that we'd already established and watching them shine and feel like they're at home has been so special to see.
And the boys, it's so funny, everyone comes from different clubs and some of them know people, some of them don't know each other. But it seriously has felt like a family. That is probably my most favourite part, is that it doesn't matter where someone came from at the beginning of the season, the boys treated them like they were their own from the very start.
What's been the most challenging thing to deal with?
The biggest challenge this year has been we've had a lot more injuries than what we had last year. So we've had to try and move people into positions so we could fill the team each week. Coming into those last games we really did struggle with the injury load we were carrying. A lot of the boys played through pretty serious injuries, which is just absolutely amazing.
You have been working for years on providing pathways for girls to play - how did that go this year?
The bucket list last year was winning the Premiership. We did that. Bucket list this year, winning the Premiership again. Did that. So it's time to broaden the horizons a little and try and grow the girls' tackle game because I'm hoping we may see that happen next year.
The tag is blowing out at Avalon Bulldogs, we had four teams in Grand Finals this year; Under 14s Blues Tag girls Avalon 1, Under 14s Blues Tag girls Avalon 2, Under 14s Blues Tag girls Avalon 3, Under 16s Blues Tag girls Avalon 1, and it's time to try and get the girls tackle into the comp.
After you've done the Touch Comp., which runs for 12 weeks from the end of this month, will you take a break before 2027 pre-season work?
I know I should take a break, but honestly, I can't say 'no' when someone asks me to do something, it's not in my vocabulary. I'll probably be at the clubhouse packing uniforms, or whatever else may need doing to set us up for a good 2027.
Corey Kirkham, 2026 Captain for the A-Grade Bulldogs, competed in the Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League (NRRRL) competition in New South Wales for the Cudgen Hornets RLFC, representing the club across Reserve Grade and First-Grade levels, including playing in the NRRRL Grand Final. In 2023, local rugby league fans voted him into the NRRRL People's Choice Team of the Year as one of the competition's premier second-row forwards. His strong local performances led to him being selected for the Northern Rivers Titans representative side in the NSWRL Men's Country Championships in 2024.
In 2025 he had his first Season in the Bulldogs A-Grade side when the club and players decided to get the A-Grade back together - meaning he is part of the 2025-2026 back-to-back Premiers squad.
Corey Kirkham: 2026 Post-Grand Final
The Doggies won back-to-back Premierships in 2016, 2017, and you were playing alongside champions from then in 2025 and 2026. What was it like playing alongside them?
It was really good. When you can play alongside those guys, you can tell that they've been around for a while, you learn stuff. How much love they have for the club and the things that they do for it on and off the field, you can't doubt their commitment, and that's a grounding as well as an inspiring influence to be around.
Whenever you're playing, or even training, there's a lot of youngsters hanging around you, and you've got a lot of time for them - they're asking you questions, you're asking them questions - they like hanging out with you; what is that?
I feel like, at our club, the juniors, they look up to us like we're their heroes. Their parents tell us that they know everyone in the A team, but they wouldn't be able to tell you who's playing in RL.
What about your own journey over the Season or the last two seasons, have you learned anything or seen yourself develop in any way?
I'm learning every day. I learnt heaps on and off the field. Obviously, being the Captain this year, I learnt how to deal with things, you know, probably a bit better than what I would in terms of leadership and things like that. It's a credit to everyone that's been a part of it to help me out. I wouldn't have been able to do it without them.
And Haig's been a good coach?
Haig's probably the best coach I've had. He's such a people's person. He's got to get the boys up and ready for any game.
What's been the best part of this Season for you?
Just getting to spend time with the boys every week. Obviously, you can't get a better result than that, but it doesn't happen if you don't love going to training and playing with the boys. I'm so unbelievably grateful to be a part of this club. Winning a comp is one thing but to go back to back is something special. There's been ups and downs as a group and for me personally, there's been so many challenges and a lack of motivation at times, but this is a huge reminder of why we do it. I love these boys and it’s been an absolute honour to lead them out this year. I feel very privileged to have been a part of it.
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Captain Kirkham
The Avalon Bulldogs runs on volunteers, just to make the final rounds is a record of a sustained effort by individual players, by coaches and trainers, and all the women and men, mums and dads, who turn up and do the work in pre-season, right through the season, and then start, as Jazmin pointed out, thinking about next year. Their core aim is to create a community where all are welcome because all belong. By Season end, a team that have become a group made a journey together and learnt not just about the game but about themselves, as Corey said, on and off the field, and have thought about how they can improve the whole.
The A-Grade cohort in community rugby league is the premier, highest-level senior competition run within a local district; they're who younger players look up to, and set an example on conduct, skills and, with many now dads themselves, are at the heart of clubs for those coming into the game, and those who are parents with young players. They have nieces and nephews and aunts and uncles and grandparents who can't stop beaming at them because they're all just great lads. They all great mates between the clubs too.
Groundsman and Manly Warringah District Junior Rugby League and Bulldogs Life Member Brian Friend OAM (Friendly) confirmed this mid-week, sharing the Mona Vale Raiders A Grade side headed into the Avalon Bulldogs change room at Brookvale after the game to congratulate them, with hugs and a beer shared before the Doggies headed north to their Hitchcock Park clubhouse for a celebration.
A long, healthy, and successful continuation follows with this at the base, in the heart and as part of the journey.
Results of the clubs who made the Grand Finals this Season run as a 'Wrap' this Issue - however, everyone who had a go is a winner - and as there is a brotherhood and sisterhood within the different club members, the family that is rugby league also won too.
Congratulations Narrabeen Sharkies, Mona Vale Raiders and Avalon Doggies - you've brought everyone together again during the cold part of the year and shone some light on what community is all about.
And back-to-back Premierships for the Bulldogs goes into the records...
GO DOGGIES!
Avalon Bulldogs A Grade supporters at Brookvale Grand Finals 2026 - there for games pre the one they came for
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Below run a few Pittwater Online photos taken over Sunday's A Grade Grand Final. Albums with high res pictures from games and club celebrations attended this Season are available on the PON Flickr platform, and track the ball from run out until final bell along with a focus on the people, events - basically 'Family Album' stuff.
PON Grand Final albums are:
- Narrabeen-Belrose-Mona Vale Under 18's: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD3MBB (plus randoms of early arrivals)
A Grade:
- Mostly first half: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD3K9j
- Last bits of first half and second half: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD3EEP
There are a number of great local photographers capturing the action too. There's classic portraits and action recorded by Elle Hall of ellehallsportsphotography, Harry Geraghty's great shots in 'Shot by Geraghty', Lauren of GameDayMumNB has been all over the place all Season, slick videos by sport_highlights_by_amy, along with Michael Mannington OAM of Community Photography's input. Michael has shared a gallery of photos at: gallery.communityphotography.org/p750951615 and a slideshow: gallery.communityphotography.org/p750951615/slideshow
All these photographers share brilliant celebrations of community, sport, connection, and the Grand Finals. Check them out!
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Elle Hall and Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby at the 2026 A Grade Grand Final
2026 Committee
- President – Craig Schlitter
- Vice President – Stef Puskar
- Treasurer – Matthew Dent
- Vice President (Tag) – Michelle Bridger
- Vice President (Tackle) – Jackson Lloyd
- Vice President (A-Grade) – Alex Woodley
- Gear Steward – Joanna Gaffikin
- Sponsorship Coordinator – Claudine Gasnier
- Licensee – Scott Fitzgerald
- Coaches Coordinator – Adam Hellyer
- Manly JRLFC Delegate – Brian Friend
- Touch Admin / Competition Director - Jazmin Ball
- Summer Referee Coordinator - Josh Leigh
Ordinary Members
- Peter Robinson
- Matthew Eding - Life Member
Active Life Members
- Samantha Stone
- Brian Friend
- Richard Harris
Avalon Bulldogs A Grade Players 2026 Season
- Jedd WHEELER
- Chandler WALTON
- Nathan STEWART
- Taine ALLEN
- Mitchell DONNELLY
- William BENSLEY
- Ayden LEYSHON
- Chad McMILLAN
- Todd WALSH
- Harley ATTWATER
- Will KELLY
- Max GIRDLER
- Will GOLDEN
- Luke TOON
- Tom WALSH
- Max BARRY
- Jack SCHOFIELD
- Corey KIRKHAM
- Kurt STEVENSON
- Jake CRUTCH
- Jed CRAM
- Samuel MACARTHUR
- Jackson William LLOYD
- Bailey GRAHAM
- Samuel MEEHAN
- Max CROTTY-KING
- Matthew ANDREWS
- Jackson YEATES
- Jack POLO
- Will BOOTH
A Grade Team staff
- Haig Sare, COACH
- Jazmin BALL, MANAGER
- Darcy GEORGE, LEVEL 1 TRAINER
- Grant DEMPSEY, LEVEL 1 TRAINER
- Jackson William LLOYD, LEAGUESAFE
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