Tara Murray
Gisborne got some revenge against Strathfieldsaye in the opening round of the Bendigo Football League finals.
The Storm won the last meeting between the two teams, inflicting one of the just two losses of the season for the Bulldogs.
In the qualifying final on Saturday at Queen Elizabeth Oval on Saturday was a different story, with a dominant performance by the Bulldogs.
While the Bulldogs trailed at quarter time, it would be the quarter that set up the match.
From there the Bulldogs were able to put it on the scoreboard, winning 18.17 (125)-10.10 (70) win.
Bulldogs skipper Jack Reaper said they were pretty happy with the result.
“It was good to respond after our last game against them,” he said. “Get a win and get some assendency in finals, it was a nice win.”
Reaper said there was a heavy breeze towards one end, which was probably worth four or five goals.
They were able to keep the Storm to just two goals in the first quarter kicking against it.
Reaper said that was vital for them in the match.
“It sort of set us up,” he said. “It really got us on the front foot and then we were able to put a bit of scoreboard pressure on in the second quarter.
“We then took advantage of it and played the conditions a little bit better than them. If we could stop them from scoring in the third, we knew we would pretty much be home from there.”
“It then opened up a little bit in the last quarter and we were able to kick away.”
Pat McKenna and Dylan Johnstone kicked five goals each for the Bulldogs.
Reaper said McKenna played a different role from what he had been this season, playing a bit deeper and he was able to make the most of it.
Brad Bernacki was named best on ground.
“He is incredible,” Reaper said. “Another good performance, which was good.
“Our midfield group worked a lot better and responded to probably being better in round 16.”
Johnstone, McKenna and Flynn Lakey were the other standouts.
The Bulldogs now face Sandhurst in semi final on Saturday with a grand final spot on the line.
Reaper said it was exciting.
“Sandhurst and us have been the best two teams all year, so it’s fitting that we play next week looking for the chance to be the first team in the grand final,” he said.
“Looking forward to the opportunity.”
The two teams have split the matches this season, with the Bulldogs winning last time.
Reaper said the conditions suited them better last time.
“Hopefully we can give them a good challenge and can get them a bit underdone after not playing this week,” he said.
The Bulldogs’ A-grade netball, which had the week off, will also face Sandhurst on Saturday for a grand final spot.
