Gisborne will have to make the Bendigo Football League grand final the hard way after losing to Strathfieldsaye on Saturday.
The minor premiers, who had a bye in the opening week of finals, returned to the field on Saturday against the Storm in a semi final at Queen Elizabeth Oval in Bendigo with a grand final spot on the line.
The Storm got the early lead, in front by nine points at quarter time. The Bulldogs had their opportunities in the second quarter, but kicked just 1.6 to trail by five points at the main break.
The Storm increased the lead in the third quarter and were 16 points ahead heading into the last quarter.
Gisborne had plenty of scoring shots in the final quarter and kicked 4.4 but the Storm added scoreboard pressure with four goals of their own making sure the Bulldogs didn’t have it all their own way.
In the end the Storm did enough to get the 12.11 (83)-10.11 (71) win.
Matthew Merrett kicked three goals for the Bulldogs, while Pat McKenna and Matt Weber chipped in with two goals apiece.
Jack Reaper named their best alongside Ethan Minns, Brad Bernacki and Macklan Lord.
The Bulldogs will face Golden Square in the preliminary final, with Strathfieldsaye awaiting the winner in the grand final.
Golden Square had a good win against South Bendigo in the other semi final on Sunday.
Golden Square led early before kicking five goals to two in the second quarter to open up a 28 point lead.
They were able to build on that in the second half, winning, 10.22 (82)-6.7 (43).
The Bulldogs and Golden Square split their two match ups during the season, with both results close, with Golden Square winning the most recent one in the second last round of the season.
It wasn’t all bad news for the Bulldogs on Saturday with their reserves winning through to the grand final.
The Bulldogs beat Golden Square, 10.7 (67)-7.11 (53).
Hayden Doricic kicked four goals for the Bulldogs, while Clinton Young kicked three goals.
They will face the winner of Golden Square and Sandhurst.
Gisborne’s under-18s will join the seniors in a preliminary final.
The Bulldogs lost on Saturday to Sandhurst, 8.4 (52)-4.4 (28). James Fox and Sam Simpson were the Bulldogs best.
They now face Golden Square with the winner to play Sandhurst in the grand final.
