By Tara Murray
Gisborne has claimed its first under-18 Bendigo Football League premiership in 16 years.
The Bulldogs broke through with a thrilling win against Sandhurst on Saturday.
The Bulldogs held strong against a late surge by the Dragons to win, 12.15 (87) – 13.6 (84).
Jubilant Bulldogs coach Marty Lakey said he couldn’t be prouder of the playing group.
“It’s a tremendous effort … it’s been 16 years since we’ve won a flag in the under-18s,” he said the day after the win.
“It’s been a little while between drinks. They are the lifeblood of the club and I’ve been fortunate to have a great bunch of kids.
“They’ve worked hard as a group.”
Lakey said they had worked their way into the season after a slow start but went into Saturday’s game a little underdone after playing just four games in the past eight weeks.
The third quarter is often called the premiership quarter and it proved to be the case for the Bulldogs.
They went from 12 points down at half-time to 31 points up at three-quarter time.
Lakey said they knew the job wasn’t done, with the Dragons kicking with the wind in the final quarter.
“They took it right up to us and thank god we got the win,” he said. “It was a three to four goal wind and they got a lot of goals early on.
“We held them off a couple of times and then had chances to close the game out, but weren’t able to.
“With 45 seconds to go they were able to get the last goal to get it back to three points. We were able to hold on.”
Lakey said both sides were out on their feet at the end of the game, with the Bulldogs down on rotations because of injuries.
Harrison Jones kicked five goals, while Liam Spear was named best on ground. Lakey said Spear was a fantastic player who did everything right and showed fantastic leadership.
The win caps off a good season for the Bulldogs, with lots of positive signs for the future.
“Six boys played seniors and a lot played multiple games. Baxter Slater won the best and fairest and Seb Bell-Bartels finished third,” Lakey said. “There was 14 first year players, so the majority will probably get the opportunity to play again next year.
“Gisborne is heading in the right direction and it’s really positive.”
