By Tara Murray
It is season over for Gisborne in the AFL Goldfields’ Women’s competition.
Hoping to make it through to a preliminary final for a second straight year, the Bulldogs were knocked out by Melton Centrals on Sunday.
Centrals built their lead throughout for a 7.6 (48)-4.2 (26) victory.
Bulldogs coach Jason Peak said the positives his players displayed weren’t enough in the end.
He said they played well in patches, but there were areas in which they needed to improve if they were to take the next step.
“We didn’t play terrible, but they played better than us,” Peak said.
“They kicked two goals to one in each of the first two quarters.
“They kicked away in the third quarter. We kicked two late goals.”
Peak said it was pleasing the Bulldogs played out the game – something that had been a positive trait of theirs throughout the season.
They hadn’t been able to make the most of that dominance – something to improve on next season.
Bridie Kinghorn was the Bulldogs’ best, dominating the ruck.
Kirrily Mitchell, Stephanie Brancatisano, Marilyn Elder and Rachel Culvenor were the other standouts for Gisborne.
Despite the loss, Peak said the season had been positive for the club.
“I said to the girls, ‘There’s a lot of new faces today’,” he said.
“Ninety per cent of the group had never met before training.
“They weren’t just learning to play, but getting to know each other.
“It’s quite a young group and hopefully we can keep as many as possible.”
Peak said they would hopefully get a couple of under-18s stepping up to the senior side and add other players for depth.
He said he had yet to speak to the club, but was wanting to continue as coach next season.
Centrals will face Redan in a preliminary final, with East Point awaiting the winner.
