After reaching the reserve grade grand final, the Bill Andriske Oval-based club are ready to make their triumphant return to the top grade and end an 18-month hiatus.

The man appointed top dog for this mission is club stalwart Peter Lefley, who last guided the club's under 18s side to back-to-back grand finals in 2017 and 2018 (with them winning the former).

"After the club decided to nominate a first grade side again, a number of the players got in contact with me and asked me to be involved," Lefley said.

"It was quite humbling that they approached me to take on the role.

"After a number of years due to other commitments, I was more than happy to jump on board and help the club get back to where it should be."

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Lelfey has been involved the Dogs for more than 25 years, holding roles such as president and first and under 18s coach - both of which reached grand finals under his tutelage.

"Even though I haven't been involved with the club the past few years, I've kept an eye on them," Lefley, who has also had coaching finals success with Batemans Bay and Camden, said.

"Anytime you have success with a club or with certain players, you keep tabs on how they are progressing."

The last time the Bulldogs dropped out of first grade was in 1994, which proved to be a pivotal time for the club.

Back in the top grade, the Bulldogs started their ascension to the Group Seven summit within the next decade - reaching four grand finals, including losing to Batemans Bay 54-10 in 2002 before defeating Berry-Shoalhaven Heads (50-12 in 2004), Albion Park-Oak Flats (34-22 in 2005) and Shellharbour (36-24 in 2008).

Lefley is confident this talented group of home-grown talents can match those achievements in the coming years.

"A lot of the players at the club have had success the past few years at under 18s and reserve grade level, so they know how to play footy," the experienced coach said.

"It's now my job to put them in the best position I can to succeed, both as individuals but more importantly, as a team.

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"The enthusiasm and work ethic to improve has been immense the past few weeks and if they carry this standard forward for the rest of the season, there's no telling how far we can go.

"We are under no illusions though, as it's important 12 months ahead for the club, with this community needing a strong footy side.

"Being isolated geographically from the rest of the clubs can be tough at times but in my eyes, it's a positive.

"From what I've seen, our junior base is as strong as it's ever been - which is really exciting.

"As such, it's important we create a genuine pathway for our juniors, to not only aspire to be a part of but also stay in the area long-term, which comes back to cameraderie.

"And with most of these boys, who I've been lucky enough to coach, having grown up together, the mateship is as tight as I've seen it at the club - especially as we have the whole community behind us."

Some of those players Lefley refers to include Blake Mackey, Steine Lofts, Travis Wooden, Eli Humble and Cody and Lleyton Roach.

"When a new coach comes in, it usually takes more than a month for him to develop a relationship with all his players," Lefley, who is currently in negotiations with a number of new recruits, said.

"But as I've already coached more the 80 per cent of our big playing group, it gives us a head start on the season.

"They also know the standards I set for them as players, because when you have success with someone before, you appreciate the hard work needed to replicate it.

"That kind of bond and trust we have with one another is invaluable in sport."

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In terms of goals, the mentor acknowledges how important the first five rounds will be for his side.

"Like any season, you go in full of confidence and expect to win each week," Lefley, who reiterated his club's door is always open to new players, said.

"Then after the first five or so rounds, you re-evaluate how you're travelling and if things need to change.

"I have complete faith we will be in the chase (finals hunt) at that stage and can push on from there - confidence and momentum are wonderful things in football.

"If the boys continue to work hard, enjoy themselves and are up for the challenge like I am, I know the sky is the limit."