Gisborne’s women’s side got to enjoy the rewards of their hard work on Sunday as the side broke through for its first ever win.
Having kept Redan scoreless in the first half of the AFL Goldfields women’s division 2 competition, the Bulldogs romped home their advantage in the third quarter, leading 57-6 at three quarter time.
With a win all but sealed, it was a pretty exciting last quarter for the Bulldogs. Coach Anthony Carrigg said they had to regroup a little at three quarter time knowing a win was coming.
“The girls were getting a bit carried away at three quarter time about singing the song,” he said.
“We got them to tone it down a bit and refocus and try and win the last quarter, which they did.
“Sunday was the best football we’ve played.”
The win was emphatic in the end, with the Bulldogs winning 13.3 (81)-1.0 (6).
Shannon Prendergast was best on ground kicking six goals.
Natalie Dowdy and Deanne Mills were also standouts for the Bulldogs.
The win was even more special with the Bulldogs fielding just 18 players. They finished the match with only 16 on the field, with two players clashing heads in the last 10 minutes.
Carrigg said there were also a couple of players who took to the field with injuries.
“There was two girls who played but probably shouldn’t have,” he said. “If we didn’t have the bye this week, they wouldn’t have played.
“They were determined to play and they helped us win the game.”
The win moves the Bulldogs to third on the ladder after four rounds. Carrigg said they were getting better every week.
“We thought the week before against Bacchus Marsh we were in with a chance but we didn’t kick straight.
“We went into Sunday’s game confident.
“They have been training really hard and learning a lot. It’s good to see them get reward for their effort.”
It was a good day for the Bulldogs with both their youth girls sides getting up as well.
Carrigg said they were still looking for more players for this season. He said it doesn’t matter what level of football experience they have.
“It’s about having a go and enjoying it.”
