Talented young Gisborne footballer Dylan Johnstone has enjoyed a great week on his journey towards the top.
Playing for the Bendigo League, Johnstone excelled and won the Derek Filo Medal as best afield against Ovens and Murray at the Queen Elizabeth Oval on May 23.
Several days later he was selected to make his debut in the VFL for Western Bulldogs against Collingwood Reserves.
Johnstone was thrilled to be told he would be playing and was warmly congratulated by Footscray teammates after training.
The strong, high-marking ball winner made his VFL debut in the match played at Whitten Oval. He was wearing number 62 and finished the game with nine marks, 12 kicks and six handballs to his credit.
The Bulldogs put an end to a run of four successive defeats, and eclipsed Collingwood by 20 points, 14.8 (92) to 10.12 (72)
Gisborne Football Netball Club heartily congratulated the young star on his achievement last weekend, and he was bombarded with messages of support before and after the VFL match.
Gisborne teammate James Gray, the BFL Under 18s captain last season, was one of the best in the 2026 senior match against O&M, and he has also spent time training with the VFL Bulldogs this year.
Johnstone is keen to see just how far he can go as a footballer.
