Gisborne’s strong off-season pays immediate dividends in Bendigo league season opener

Gisborne’s off-season recruiting spree has paid immediate dividends with a Round 1 thumping of last year’s wooden spooner Castlemaine but it was some familiar faces who stepped up.

Tom Wood in action for Gisborne. Picture: David Smith

Gisborne’s off-season recruiting spree has paid immediate dividends with a Round 1 thumping of Castlemaine.

The Bulldogs were ruthless against last year’s wooden-spooners, starting their Bendigo league season in style with a 92-point victory, 17.20 (122) to 3.11 (29).

After finishing fifth last year, Gisborne has added former AFL-listed midfielder Pat McKenna, James Ferry, Casey Summerfield, Brad Bernacki and Scott and Tim Walsh, while Matt Edwards was cleared by West Gippsland club Korumburra-Bena just days before the season opener.

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However, it was Jack Scanlon (four goals) and Trent Crosbie who stole the show with dominant displays up forward and through the midfield respectively.

With coach Clinton Young overseas, Luke Saunders took the magnet board and was impressed with his team’s showing after a scrappy start.

“Castlemaine is a hard place to play at the best of times and it was a pretty erratic start to the game, so to come away with a win like that is really pleasing,” he said.

Jaidyn Owen in action for Gisborne. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“The pre-season goes for so long these days, the boys were desperate to get out there and Round 1 wins are really satisfying because all teams are in the same position.”

Saunders praised Crosbie’s influence and Edwards’ poise in defence after his late clearance.

“Trent had a pre-season at (VFL club) Port Melbourne and hopefully he plays for them at some stage because he’s a wonderful footballer. His ball use and decision-making off half-back were really important for us,” he said.

“Matt was cleared during the week and just slotted in at half-back, which was a great effort given the circumstances.”

Trent Crosbie in action for Gisborne in 2016. Picture: David Smith

The Bulldogs found their rhythm in the second quarter piling on six goals to none, before adding another six in the third term.

However, 1.6 in the final quarter and 20 behinds for the game could mean goalkicking is a focus at training.

Gisborne faces a short week with a Good Friday clash against rival Kyneton at Gardner Reserve.

Kyneton were Round 1 losers, falling to a 43-point defeat at home against Golden Square.

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