Gisborne belted out the club song with gusto on Saturday as they tasted success in the Bendigo Football League for the first time in 2016.
The Bulldogs entered the match against Maryborough, another winless side, with some confidence.
And after showing glimpses of what they could do in the first six rounds, the Bulldogs put it all together to easily account for the Magpies, 13.23 (101)-7.11 (53).
For Bulldogs coach Brad Spear there was a sense of relief.
“It’s been a long time coming and it was good to hear the boys sing the song,” Spear said.
“There was some confidence going in but not the expectation that we would win.
“We’ve been playing reasonable football and we knew that if we kept doing what we’d been doing we’d have a chance.”
There was only one scoring shot’s difference between the two sides in the first quarter with the Magpies struggling with accuracy in front of goal.
The middle two quarters were all Gisborne as it restricted the Magpies to just 2.3 in the two quarters while kicking 4.11.
The Bulldogs added the finishing touches in the final quarter for a strong win.
Spear said his side’s ability to adjust to the wet conditions quicker than the opposition played a big part in the game.
“It was the first time we’ve played in the rain this season. We hadn’t even trained in the wet.
“Both sides struggled in front of goal with the wet ball, but we were cleaner and adjusted quicker.”
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Gisborne skipper Jarrad Lynch was best on ground with his five goals.
“We took a bit a pressure off him and moved him into the forward line to see how he went,” Spear said.
“He had a terrific game and it might be that we’ll see how we’re going and then decide where he’ll play.”
Spear was also impressed with the defensive group.
“Our defence has been our strength all year despite all the pressure they’ve been under,” he said.
“They stood tall and gave our forwards the chance to have opportunities in front of goal.”
The Bulldogs now face Castlemaine, which is seventh on the ladder with a 3-4 record.
“We have to keep working hard and stick to what we’ve been doing all year,” Spear said.
“If we remain competitive and get the small things right, the scoreboard will take care of itself.”
Elsewhere, Kyneton fell short against ladder leader Golden Square.
The Tigers were within four goals at the last break but were held scoreless in the final term to lose 16.12 (108)-8.10 (58).
