Is Panmure the Warrnambool and District league team having the most fun?
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With two wins on the trot and a big clash at home against the reigning premier Nirranda on Saturday, things are happening at the Kennel.
Former South Warrnambool player Paddy Mahony is thrilled to be back at the club for the first time since 2015.
"I'm loving it, it's been great fun," he said.
"I play with my three brothers which has been great."
Mahony will line-up alongside older brothers Ben and Sam and younger brother Tom on Saturday.
The Bulldogs playing assistant said coach Chris Bant had contributed to a good atmosphere at the club.
"He's created a good fun environment and the kids enjoy playing under him," he said.
Mahony said the playing coach had been good up forward as well.
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"He's been really handy, he's come in and hasn't missed a beat," he said.
Mahony said Bant took strong contested marks and was steady when he played in the back line.
Bant, who took on the coaching reigns in the off-season, is enjoying himself as well.
"Everyone is having a good time and playing good footy," he said.
The Bulldogs have also been putting in strong performances and look the most threatening side outside the top-five.
Panmure claimed a convincing victory against seven-placed South Rovers last week and it has also knocked off fifth-placed Allansford.
So what's been the difference for the Bulldogs who lost their first three matches and finished last in 2018?
Bant has been important since his return from suspension with 15 goals from six matches.
But both Bant and Mahony believe the new-look team, which featured 11 new players in round one, has started to gel together.
"It's taken a little while with the new group but we're realising how we've got to play with each other," Mahony said.
But can Panmure take down one of the competitions's top-three?
Bant said the Nirranda challenge had come at a good time.
"Nirranda are one of the yardsticks and we're happy to be playing them while we're in good form," he said.
He believes his team needs to get off to a solid start to be in with a chance.
"A good start held us in good stead last week," he said.
"So if we can make sure we're in the game at quarter and half-time."
Mahony is looking for a high-pressure performance from the Bulldogs.
"We can't allow them any lose ball because they'll cut us up that way," he said.
Mahony will be important to the Panmure's cause and has been in rich form.
The 26-year-old has been in the best players every week bar one and has kicked six goals from nine starts.
Nirranda will be looking to extend its five-match winning streak on Saturday but will be missing prolific goal-kicker Gary Robinson who is out with general soreness.
Co-coach Shane Threlfall said skills had been the focus of the past month for the Blues.
"We're moving the ball really well," he said.
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