Kalamunda Bulldogs are back in first grade and hoping to compete well in the Fuel to Go and Play Premiership in 2026. PETER ROWE caught up with co-coach Jade Nepia to see how pre-season has progressed.
It’s almost a decade since the blue and white colours of the Bulldogs appeared in top flight footy in WA and co-coach Jade Nepia, who has been at the club for 13 years, is excited at the prospect of making it back to the top table again.
Nepia stepped up to take over during the summer and just after Christmas was joined as co-coach by former South Perth head coach Duane Gwiazdzinski.
“We had some great conversations with Duane and he’s a superb addition who will bring a lot of experience at this level to the club,” Nepia said.
“I know we will work well together and I think we might surprise a few people this season.”
For Kalamunda the goal is sustainability. They have a few seasoned ‘old boys’ and a number of good youngsters who have come through their juniors. For Nepia it’s important to find the right mix on the field.
“We’ve had some good years with our juniors and we’d like to build a system to bring them through,” Nepia, who has a son playing at the club, said.
“We’ve been getting 50 or so at training, all positive and everyone has bought in.
“Culture is important. We’re not a big club but we are big on culture. We want players who want to be here.”
The majority of their squad will come from their Val Murphy side of last year, with addition of a few new faces.
Daniel Jones joins from union club Nedlands in the halves and backrower-centre Regan Howley, a former South Perth player, comes across from union.
Wiremu Paki is another new face in Dogs colours, but not new to the competition, having won premierships at South Perth North Beach and Fremantle.
Almost 40 now, Paki will be a force in the back row.
“He’s a quality player and I’ve been friends with him for some years back over east in Newcastle, so it’s good to have some experience on the field to help out,” Nepia said.
For the Dogs 2026 with nine teams in the premiership, will be a big step up, but one Nepia is quietly confident they can achieve.
“100 per cent a challenge, but one we will be ready for,” he said.
“We have a lot of young guys who can’t wait, they are strong and eager and they will be ready.”
Nepia and Gwiazdzinski have been working on a preseason plan that has included both gym and field work, knowing it will be a long season, with fitness key.
“There are some very good teams out there and we have to be ready for whatever is thrown at us.
“The game at this level is physical and demanding, but we have plenty of versatility in our group and there’s a bit of mongrel as well.”
The Dogs will open their season on April 10 against Gwiazdzinski’s former club South Perth, a mouthwatering clash.
“It’s going to be exciting,” Nepia said. “Duane has brought so much professionalism to the club.
“But it’s a long season, so round one or two won’t really show much.
“We want to compete and I think we will. In fact I think we might do better than that.”
Last year the Willagee Bears stepped up and surprised everyone, could this year belong to the Doggies?
“The Bears are the benchmark, a strong side and they have recruited well this year,” Nepia said.
“If we can manage the season, manage injuries and knocks over five months and still be competitive in August, why not.”
For the Dogs of Kalamunda, 2026 is full of hope.
