The distinctive orange colours that announce the presence of Gisborne Giants were out in force at the Riddell League 2024 Grand Finals on Sunday.
The Giants had two teams in action at Romsey, and went home with two senior premierships.
There were wide smiles on the faces of Giants players and supporters, with the victories a further morale boost after all the behind the scenes work by this fledgling RDFNL club.
Next season the Giants will have an open age football side competing for the first time.
The Giants finished on top of the U19.5s ladder and beat Macedon by five points to move straight into the grand final, with Kyneton coming from fifth place to edge out 2023 premiers Macedon in the preliminary final.
Tall and talented ruckman Tom Doyle returned from injury to lift the Giants; he won the Noel Rainey Medal for best afield.
Kyneton, with the inclusion of Lachlan Thompson, came to play and gave their supporters plenty of hope with a strong first half.
Kicking against the wind in the first term, the Tigers did well to score three goals at the southern end of the ground, which had experienced snow the previous day.
By half time, Kyneton led by 10 points, only to find the Mark McKenzie-coached Giants lift their game and monopolise the ball.
The Giants kept the Tigers scoreless, but Kyneton goaled early in the last term and it was anyone’s game.
Importantly, the Giants began to assert themselves, and four goals against the wind sealed the outcome.
Final scores: Giants 10.14 (74) d Kyneton 7.7 (49).
Angus McSwiggan (G) and Angus Nolte (K) each kicked three goals.
Sam Scarlett, James Hester, Aiden McCarthy, Doyle, Lucas Mousley and Lachie Bianco were listed as the best players for the Giants, while Kyneton’s best were Thompson, Indy Williamson, Jesse Smith, Nolte, Bailey Ryan and captain Sam Pyers.
At the after match medal presentations, Kyneton coach David Nolte conceded the best team all season had proved its worth, and he was also proud of the Tigers’ efforts.
McKenzie praised Kyneton, predicting the Tigers had a bright future.
He said later the Giants had been an extended work in progress over more than three years, and about 30 players on this season’s list all deserved credit for their contributions.
NETBALL PREMIERS
The Giants’ D-grade netballers had an easier task than the footballers once they opened up a gap on rivals Romsey.
Coached by Genaya Bourke, the Giants finished up with a 38-21 margin, with speedy Zoe Kucic best on court.
The Giants D-grade netball premiership side. 
The first of five Riddell League netball grand finals on Sunday resulted in a comfortable win for Gisborne Giants against Romsey. It was the first-ever senior premiership for the Giants. Pictured is best on court Zoe Kucic with coach Genaya Bourke (left) and assistant coach Creina Lock.
The Kyneton U19.5s battled hard in their grand final loss against the Giants. Photo: Sophie McLeod 
The young Tigers were valiant in defeat. Photo: Sophie McLeod
