They came, they saw, and they conquered! Gisborne senior footballers exit the Bendigo League with a remarkable premiership triumph, beating favourite Sandhurst by 29 points in a low-scoring grand final on Saturday.
A fitting end to 26 years and six premierships before embarking on a new journey in the Ballarat League in 2027.
Even more remarkable was that the Bulldogs went into the match without champion ball winner Brad Bernacki, ruled out with a fractured jaw sustained in the preliminary final victory over Eaglehawk.
Bernacki’s absence meant Sandhurst became warmer favourites for the title on their own ground, but there was still plenty to like about Gisborne’s successes over South Bendigo, Strathfieldsaye, and Eaglehawk in lead-up finals. Each time the fourth-placed Bulldogs had to win or be eliminated.
When Gisborne ran onto the ground in fine conditions on Saturday, they touched Bernacki’s red, blue and white ‘Dogs footy jumper hanging on the changing room door.
Before the big match began, many neutral supporters felt Sandhurst would win with Bernacki sidelined, ever though the Dragons had struggled to edge out Eaglehawk in the second semi-final.
Gisborne, working on the “one match at a time” theory, then disposed of the Hawks by 20 points, outscoring them by six goals to one in the second half. Belief was certainly there.
In what was a low-scoring affair for the first three quarters, the Bulldogs knew they had to collectively step up and they did, coming home with an outstanding last quarter with five goals in succession, while the Dragons were restricted to a meagre three points.
“Let’s just win this quarter,” was the succinct three-quarter-time message from coach Brad Waters, who had also been in charge when the ‘Dogs won the 2022 flag.
Gisborne had a large contingent of supporters urging them on. Most had seen the club’s netball sides capture the B-grade and B-Reserve premierships earlier in the day.
The day’s trifecta beckoned, and their support became even louder when the ‘Dogs hit the front with an early goal with a wind advantage as well.
Sandhurst’s expected match winners failed to have a big influence, and the momentum continued with broadcasters predicting a ‘Dogs victory with 10 minutes remaining.
Despite being handicapped with a knee injury, late inclusion quality ruckman Braidon Blake was a guiding influence.
Always dangerous, Ron Best Medal winner Pat McKenna goaled twice to take his match tally to five; the busy James Gray and Matt Merrett goaled — the latter with a very long kick which bounced through — and off-field celebrations became even louder.
Gisborne’s victory was largely brought about through having more players influencing proceedings.
Fullback Zac Vescovi was inspiring throughout the match, and the competitive spirit of the ‘Dogs was very evident, even when play-on mistakes were made at times.
Onballers Flynn Lakey and Dylan Johnstone were in fine form at the right time and helped cover for Bernacki’s absence; ruckman Lucas Carnell worked hard against taller opposition.
Dominic Sullivan, in his first season with the ‘Dogs, showed his versatility and the Denehy brothers played their part — Jed hauling in mark of the match.
Sandhurst was understandably disappointed at losing its third grand final in the past four seasons. Mathew Wilkinson, Cooper Smith and Dayten Uerata were listed as their “top three”.
35 DIFFERENT PLAYERS
Speaking at the after-match presentation on the ground, surrounded by hundreds of supporters, Zac Vescovi said he was very proud of the side’s performance, paying tribute to the 35 different players who had represented the ‘Dogs across a season when they had more than their share of injuries.
The coaching staff members were also praised for their continuous input and encouragement across the season.
Former long-time Gisborne FNC president John Wood presented the premiership cup, with elation spilling over.
Current ‘Dogs president Tony Brancatisano said he had never lost faith that the ‘Dogs could make the grand final and they now look forward to playing in the Ballarat League.
Final scores: Gisborne 12.12 (84) d Sandhurst 7.13 (55).
In the Reserves, Eaglehawk won a tight match, beating Sandhurst 8.8 (56) to 7.7 (49).
The Under 18s saw a strong Sandhurst combination defeat Strathfieldsaye 13.10 (88) to 7.5 (47), for the Dragons’ third flag in a row in this grade.
THE PREMIERS
Gisborne’s football side which won the Bendigo League’s 2026 Grand Final:
B: Lachlan Evans, Zachary Vescovi (c), Frank Schipano.
HB: Jed Denehy, Harry Thomas, Will Elliott.
C: Harrison Bryant, Adam Brancatisano, Lucas Hannon.
HF: Shane Clough, Zac Denahy, Dominic Sullivan.
F: Matt Merrett, Pat McKenna, James Gray.
On-ballers: Lucas Carnell, Flynn Lakey, Dylan Johnstone.
Interchange: Thomas Warner, Brayden Blake, Liam Rogers, Ryan Bourke.
Coach: Rob Waters.