Gisborne’s young squad passed its biggest test so far as it accounted for Sandhurst in the Bendigo Football League grand final rematch.
The Dragons had yet to taste defeat heading into the game but faced a different test against a composed Gisborne on Saturday.
The match was a wind affected one with the Bulldogs making the most of it in the third quarter to lead by 25 points heading into the final quarter.
While the Dragons came hard, the Bulldogs were composed and able to come away with a 13.7 (85)-10.13 (73) win.
Bulldogs skipper Jack Reaper said it was great to get a result like that.
“It was good to get a good win at the QEO [Queen Elizabeth Oval],” he said. “We really set ourselves a challenge with a young squad and the boys really lifted and played a good brand of footy and got the job done.
“I think we had eight players that played in the grand final last year, so it’s a completely different team with a lot of kids.
“So it’s great to get that result.”
Reaper said there’s not much of a bigger challenge for his side than against the reigning premiers and playing brand like footy at a ground where they play finals.
He said there was a four, four and half goal breeze to one end of the ground.
Winning the toss for the first time this year, the Bulldogs were able to kick with the breeze early and set the tone.
Reaper said at three quarter time they knew that the Dragons would come home hard late in the final quarter.
“We knew they are a talented side and well led,” he said. “And they did come and got within 12 points half way through the quarter.
“They looked like they were going to run over us, but we were able to weather the storm and play some really smart footy and repeat stoppages and contested brand.
“We managed the minutes quite well.”
Reaper said they train for those sorts of situations and knew what they needed to do.
Pat McKenna kicked five goals for the Bulldogs and was the key target up forward.
Ruck Braidon Blake came back into the side after missing the past three weeks and was a clear best on ground.
“He was incredible,” Reaper said. “He’s played some pretty amazing games, obviously winning the league medal last year, but that was one of the better games I’ve seen him play.
“He really rallied in that last quarter and took control and led us in the last quarter.”
The Bulldogs move to 5-1 and sit in third spot only percentage behind Sandhurst and Eaglehawk.
This week they face Golden Square that has won just one match for the season.
In the A-grade netball, the Bulldogs suffered their second loss of the season as they lost to Sandhurst, 50-32.
