BACK on his turf, the 'Mayor of Euabalong' pulled out a man-of-the-match display to help Goulburn Workers to a groundbreaking West Wyalong Knockout win.
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Former Tullibigeal-Lakes United premiership-winning forward Michael Dodson returned to his home region to chase knockout glory with the Bulldogs.
After a tough run to the grand final, the Canberra powerhouse lived up to expectation by accounting for Group Nine surprise packet Junee 12-6.
As the first half unfolded the Bulldogs looked to be a class above their opposition, as they crossed for the first try through a clever play on the line.
Junee had an opportunity to answer with a try of its own in the dying minutes of the first half, but captain-coach Matt Hands opted to take the penalty goal to bring the half-time score to 6-2.
To the Diesels’ credit, the new-look squad refused to concede to their heavily-favoured opponent.
"This was a really good, tough game," Goulburn Workers prop Dodson said after the victory.
"Junee worked hard and pushed us right to the end."
Goulburn Workers finally cemented the historic victory through a try to the game's hero, Dodson, with 2½ minutes on the clock.
With the try converted, not even a last-ditch effort from the Diesels - reminiscent of their win over Group 20 outfit Leeton on Friday night - could end premature celebrations.
Dodson said he was proud of his team’s performance.
"It was a great effort from the boys," Dodson said.
"We didn't come over here thinking too much about what was being said.”
Many in Group 20 circles were stunned to see the evergreen forward return to the paddock, with rumours rife Dodson was set to hang up the boots.
"I reckon I've been saying that for the last 10 years," he laughed.
West Wyalong was the best performed of the Group 20 clubs.
The Mallee Men made it to the semi-finals before they were eliminated by the Bulldogs 10-6.
Yenda went out in the quarter-finals after losing to Junee 10-8.
