Gisborne will take home some valuable lessons from its loss to Strathfieldsaye in the Bendigo Football League.
The two in-form teams of the competition entered the match undefeated and the game was a good challenge for the young Bulldogs.
The Storm put early pressure on the scoreboard to lead by 28 points at the first break and that early start would prove to be the difference. The Storm won 14.12 (96)-10.15 (75).
Bulldogs playing coach Clinton Young said while it wasn’t the result they were after, there were plenty of positive signs.
“It was the opportune time to play them and see how we are tracking this year,” Young said.
“They got the jump on us early, but I felt like we had competed.
“To be honest, even in the first quarter, I thought we were in the game, we didn’t take our chances.
“They were a lot more efficient and that was the telling thing, the way they used the ball.”
Young said endeavour and effort defined the game.
“We can work on a few things, it’s only round four,” he said.
“We will learn from it.”
Young said he was happy with how the midfield group competed against strong opposition.
He said Nick Doolan was their best, while Pat McKenna (three goals) and Jack Scanlon were good when the ball went forward.
Callum Williamson also kicked three goals.
The result leaves Gisborne sitting 3-1 and well and truly in the mix.
Young said they had to make sure they continued that same form.
“You don’t walk away from a loss fully satisfied, but at this time of year you’ve got to make sure that you recover well and rebound.”
Kyneton made it two wins in row, beating Kangaroo Flat, 12.12 (84)-8.9 (57).
Patrick McCarthy kicked three goals for the Tigers, while Rhys Magin was named their best.
