Gisborne buried some of the demons of last season and is now one game away from a Bendigo Netball League grand final.
While guaranteed a second chance no matter the result against Kangaroo Flat on Saturday, the Bulldogs were keen to start the finals with some winning momentum.
It would be a defensive match, with both of the Bulldogs star defenders winning plenty of ball.
The Bulldogs opened up an 11 goal lead part way through the third quarter and had the game in control at the final break.
The Bulldogs were able to hold their composure to come away with a, 37-31 win.
Bulldogs coach Tarryn Rymer said it was a pleasing performance against a tough opposition.
“It was such a physical contest that never stopped right to the end,” she said.
“It was a strong defensive game and both teams created a lot of turnover.
“We used the ball well in attack and treasured possession. Sometimes we were doing eight passes to keep possession.”
Rymer said having got themselves into a good position at the last break, they were keen to make sure they kept doing the small things right.
Last year Kangaroo Flat came from eight goals down at three quarter time to beat them in a preliminary final, ending their season.
“We made sure that we converted our centre passes,” Rymer said. “That was the big thing.”
Rymer said the defensive duo of Zoe Davies and Charlee Kemp were the standouts on the court, throwing themselves at everything and creating turnovers.
She said the inclusion of Claudia Mawson was another big in for the side. Davies and Mawson missed the final round due to the Australian National Championships.
“They both play massive roles on court and at training,” Rymer said.
It was a big day for the Bulldogs with their under-17s and B-grade sides also winning through to semi finals next week.
Those three teams and the A-reserve side, which had the bye after finishing on top, will all play for grand final spots and have second chances.
After losing on Saturday, the B-reserve side will play in a knockout semi final this weekend.
Rymer said they always have a big focus on the whole club mentality, so it was pleasing to have five teams through to the second week of finals.
“It’s really exciting as you always want to build finals depth throughout the squad,” she said.
“Credit to the juniors coming through the ranks and the coaches and the girls sticking it out.
“We’ve got good coaches and players that don’t care which grade they are in.”
The A-grade side will face minor premiers Sandhurst for a grand final spot.
