Gisborne senior footballers proved too strong for Kangaroo Flat at Gardiner Reserve on Saturday, scoring their fifth win for the season.
The Bulldogs tuned up for this Saturday’s match at Kyneton with a 14.19 (103) to 8.12 (60) victory.
Sitting in sixth position on the ladder, it is still possible for Gisborne to make the finals and defend their 2022 flag, but the odds are against it with some very tough matches ahead.
Those who arrived at Gardiner Reserve early saw the Gisborne Under 18s in full flight, as they accounted for Kangaroo Flat 17.9 (111) to 0.3 (3).
This percentage booster for the young Bulldogs who are a definite premiership prospect was followed by a vital win in the Reserves.
The Bulldogs prevailed 8.14 (62) to 2.2 (14) and consolidated their position in the top five.
In the main game, Gisborne found Kangaroo Flat had come to play and the firest term was very even, with two goals apiece.
A good second term saw the home side go to half-time with five goals advantage, and in the second half it was largely a case of how much the winning margin would be.
Zac Denahy turned in one of his best games since crossing from Castlemaine, and finished with four goals.
Top flight ruckman Braidon Blake, prolific ball winners Flynn Lakey and Brady Bernacki, Matthew Merrett (three goals) and Zac Vescovi were listed as the Bulldogs’ best.
Gisborne have now won four of their last five matches, and should come to confident of retaining that winning feeling when they come to the Kyneton Showgrounds this Saturday.
WOMEN SHINE
Gisborne’s two women’s football teams had runaway victories on Saturday morning.
They were confidence boosters for the finals coming up.
At Gardiner Reserve, the home side demolished Sunbury Lions 14.12 (96) to 1.0 (6).
Charlotte Noonan was best afield, being unstoppable up forward with eight goals.
Other scorers were Chaire Dickins 4, Ruby Watts and Alex Cairney.
Noonan was best afield, and others to shine for the Bulldogs included Shannon Mcferran, Dickins, Bianca Woodburn, Claire Bowden and Amy Starzer.
Gisborne’s Under 18s were unfazed playing at Westmeadows, and five goals in the first quarter set up the 13.5 (83 to 0.0 (0) victory.
There were seven goalkickers, and Best for the Bulldogs were the in-form Tanisha Clark, Nikola Cox, Sienna Green, Amy O’Kelly, Allana Bauer and Alexia Todorovic.
