Years of preparation came to the fore on Saturday as the Gisborne Giants claimed their first senior win in the Riddell District Football League.
It took five rounds into the season for the Giants to get on the board, as they won a hard fought battle against Lancefield.
Coach Andrew Hall said it was a pretty special moment for the club.
“I’m really proud of the evolution of the program,” he said. “I’m only a small part of a much bigger process.
“I think I said 25 times on Saturday it was an accumulation of hard work.
“The energy around the whole club was completely humble after such a monumental task.
“The club in its entirety is really proud.”
Hall was quick to praise the past and current committee members, along with the rest of the coaching group for getting the club to this point.
He said it was more than just about football.
“We know sport brings the people together,” he said. “The culture, the community is pivotal in local sport.
“You gain knowledge and perspective through sport and you build that at the grassroots.”
The Giants season so far has been one about opportunities.
Nine Giants juniors have already made their senior debut in five rounds. Several under-17s have also stepped into the under-19s with the pathway there already.
On Saturday, it was two sides looking for their first win of the season.
The Giants led at each of the breaks including by 32 points at the last change.
Lancefield came home hard late, but the Giants did enough to win, 16.7 (103)-13.10 (88).
“Lancefield were really good and I think they will be competitive every week,” Hall said. “If you’re off for small periods of the game, we are acutely aware of the consequences.
“It was a really good game of footy and great to watch.”
Skipper Bradley Mangan kicked five goals while Angus McSwiggan kicked three goals.
Matt Quigley was named best on ground.
Hall said Quigley had been outstanding throughout all of pre-season and into the season, while Mangan keeps getting better.
He also highlighted Oscar Schnoor, James O’Connor and Cameron Freake as other standouts in the win.
Austin Burnell and Lucas Mousley both made their senior debuts in the win.
While excited to get the win on the board, Hall quickly turned his focus to this week and facing Wallan.
The Magpies are again one of the teams to beat this season.
“They have some exceptional guns,” he said. “Hopefully we’ll have a good battle and we’re excited to play another top team.”
In other matches, Riddell remains undefeated after beating Woodend-Hesket, 11.19 (85)-7.4 (46).
Dean Galea kicked three goals for the Bombers, with Lachlan Hay named their best.
Romsey snuck home against Melton South, winning 14.4 (88)-12.14 (86), while Wallan just got the job done against Macedon, 16.6 (102)-12.17 (89).
Kyneton beat Melton Centrals, 21.7 (133)-10.6 (66).
