Gisborne respond to first loss of Bendigo league season with thumping win over South Bendigo

Gisborne bounced back from its first loss of the season with a thumping win over South Bendigo and the Bulldogs’ fine form has been rewarded with four players picked in the inter-league team.

Jack Scanlon celebrates a goal for Gisborne. Picture: Aaron Cook

Gisborne has bounced back from its first loss of the Bendigo league season with a 97-point thumping of South Bendigo.

The Bulldogs were stunned on their home deck by Strathfieldsaye and coach Clinton Young was pleased with the reaction.

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“I was really happy with how the boys responded,” he said.

“We had a really even performance and we head into the inter-league weekend at 4-1 and a chance to regroup.”

A six-goal opening quarter put Gisborne in control at Harry Trott Reserve and it increased its lead every quarter.

Jack Scanlon in action for Gisborne. Picture: Aaron Cook

Brad Bernacki gets a kick away for Gisborne. Picture: Aaron Cook

Bulldogs midfielder Matt Goodyear was prolific in the win while Jake Conolan was dangerous all day with six goals.

Jack Scanlon continued his fine form with five majors while Brad Bernacki finished with four and Pat McKenna three in the 25.18 (168) to 11.5 (71) drubbing.

Young praised his team’s ability to keep the pressure on for four quarters in a tough road trip.

“South Bendigo can be a difficult team to play against up in Bendigo and the first quarter was really impressive,” he said.

“Matt Goodyear and Brad Bernacki accumulated a lot of the footy and Jake Conolan played his best game for the year up forward.

“Potentially three or four guys will be playing inter-league but after the week off we should be nearing our full strength team.”

Clinton Young in action for Gisborne. Picture: Andy Brownbill

The Bulldogs impressive start to the year has been rewarded with four players selected in the BFNL inter-league squad to face AFL Outer East.

Goodyear, McKenna, Scanlon and Trent Crosbie are set for representative honours with Young saying it was just reward for the foursome.

“It’s good reward for those guys who have had a strong start to the year,” he said.

“They’re still young players and it’s a good opportunity for them to be involved.”

Meanwhile, Kyneton became the latest team to be on the wrong end of a heavy loss at the hands of undefeated Strathfieldsaye.

The Tigers were no match for the ladder-leaders, going down by 140 points at Triple M Park.

Kyneton sit sixth with two wins ahead of the inter-league bye and had Rhys Magin, Max O’Sullivan, Patrick McCarthy, Josh Govan and Leyton Chisholm picking in the initial squad.

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