Bulldogs add former state league talent

GOLDEN Square has added further reinforcements in its bid to rebound back up the BFNL ladder in 2026.

In a timely boost to their midfield and key defensive stocks, the Bulldogs have signed Queensland pair Lee Dale and Isaac Corver, adding to their already positive off-season recruiting haul.

The pair will travel down most weeks, adding to the influx of Queensland-based talent into the Bendigo league for the 2026 season.

In November, South Bendigo announced the key signings of Aspley Hornets pair Tom Templeton and Coen Harker, while former Bloods coach Nathan Horbury will also make the trek from up north to play a batch of games in red and white this season.

Dale and Corvo both lined up for Koondrook Barham in the Central Murray League in 2025 and boast impressive football resumes, including state league experience.

No stranger to central Victorian football followers, Dale previously played with Loddon Valley club Mitiamo in 2021-22.

The well-travelled midfielder spent time, albeit a decade ago, with Werribee and Northern Blues’ VFL teams, and has also represented Myrtleford in the ultra-strong Ovens and Murray league, Beechworth and Yackandandah in a glittering career.

He won a Tallangatta league medal in 2017 with Yackandandah, is a two-time Victoria Country representative, and boasts premierships with both Southport Sharks and South Cairns, the latter in 2024.

Announcing his signing on the club’s Facebook page, the Bulldogs said Dale brought a wealth of experience and elite talent to Wade Street and would be a “massive” addition to the senior group.

Corvo, who will bring size, versatility and high-level experience to the Bulldogs defence, has represented Aspley Hornet and Brisbane Lions at state level.

He was named centre-half-back in the Sunraysia league team of the year in 2023 while playing with Robinvale-Euston, the same year he finished runner-up in the club’s best and fairest award and fourth in the league award.

Corvo was previously a two-time Queensland under-18 state representative.

The fresh signings add to those pre-Christmas of 205cm ruckman Liam Hoy (Kybybolite and formerly North Adelaide), Archie Evans (Sandringham Dragons and APS football with Melbourne Grammar), and the return of Macey Eaton back from a stint with Sunraysia club Irymple, on top of the signing of playing coach Liam Barrett.

The outs at Wade Street are headed by Tom Strauch, Zach Shelton, John Coe, Xavier Carter and Melvic Pambai.

Golden Square ended the 2025 season in sixth spot with a 5-11 record and missing finals, two wins and percentage behind fifth-placed Strathfieldsaye.