An undermanned Gisborne went down fighting against Carisbrook, but fell just short of a win in the AFL Goldfields Women’s competition at the weekend.
Taking just 18 players into the game, including a couple who probably shouldn’t have played, the Bulldogs were on the back foot from the start.
Further injuries didn’t help the cause, but they continued to fight.
While they were able to outscore Carisbrook in the final quarter, it wasn’t enough and the Bulldogs lost 6.9 (45)-4.5 (29)
Bulldogs’ coach Anthony Carrigg said he couldn’t have asked for anything more from his playing group and was proud of how they fought out the game.
He said if they had a bench the result could have been different.
“We had seven girls out injured and went up there with 18 players.
“We finished with 16 players and they had a full team.
“We did really well and won the last quarter, giving them a scare.
“They were worried, we had no midfield rotations and they were buggered.”
Best players were Jessica D’Antonio, who kicked three goals, Hannah Beasley and Stephanie Brancatisano.
The result means the Bulldogs are 2-2 after four rounds.
Carrigg said they were happy with how
they started the season, in just their second season.
Last year the Bulldogs played in division 2, but this year there’s only one division, meaning they are playing teams which played in division 1 last season.
“The only game we’ve been really beaten was against Redan and they are one of the teams to beat,” he said.
“Despite the score we gave them a good run for their money.
“We’ve added a few experienced players and the girls have got experience from last year.
“It’s tougher, but the girls are really enjoying the challenge.”
Among the experienced players to join the team are D’Antonio, Nadine Bailey, Bridie Kinghorn, Brianna Woodburn and Jessica Morris.
Carrigg said they would love to make finals this year.
“The first thing is to be competitive and we want to play finals. That would be the ultimate goal and I think when we get a few players back that it’s achievable.”
The Bulldogs have a bye this weekend and Carrigg said it had come at a perfect time.
He said they hoped to get some players back from injury for their next game.
He said they were still looking for more players.
Tara Murray
