Justin Flynn
Second-placed Gisborne gets another crack at Bendigo Football League ladder leader Sandhurst at Gardiner Reserve this Saturday and coach Rob Waters is looking forward to the challenge.
Back in round two at Queen Elizabeth Oval, the Dragons scored five of the first six goals and from there Gisborne was playing catch up.
The loss is the Bulldogs only loss of the season. Sandhurst sits undefeated and eight points clear, having played one more game than the Bulldogs.
“It was three goals I reckon in the first quarter to four points,” Waters said of the first game between the sides.
“And if I remember correctly they got a 50 metre penalty that put them in the goal square and got a free kick straight straight away so they got two in a row there which sort of blew the quarter out.
“I thought they controlled the first quarter, but I thought we dominated the second quarter, but just couldn’t get enough on the scoreboard and the game was sort of that same margin for the rest of the day.”
Gisborne had a round one bye and met Sandhurst in round two, but this time around the Bulldogs will be coming off their second bye, which Waters believes will be more of a help than the hindrance of earlier in the season.
“I reckon it refreshes us up a bit,” he said.
“The other main difference from the start of the year is we’ve played our eight games in a row now so we’ll be ready to go.
“Both teams have some injuries, but I guarantee there will still be 22 against 22 next week. I have no doubt we’ll be seeing a fair bit of each other later in the season.”
The Bulldogs will be without star ruckman Braidon Blake who entered the mandatory 21-day concussion protocol after the June 8 game against Castlemaine.
“He’s one of the best players in the competition and we rely on him heavily and go very well with him in the midfield for us so we’ll see how things go and maybe slightly adjust here and there,” Waters said.
“But they have their key playing coach (Bruce Curnow) missing and he sets up beautifully around the ground and he’s got great voice around the ground so they will miss him as well.”
Sandhurst enters the game on the back of a 23.14 (152)-5.8 (38) win against Kangaroo Flat.
