Pat McKenna bags eight goals as Gisborne thrashes Kyneton to snap eight-game losing streak

Prodigal son Pat McKenna boots eight goals as Gisborne snap an eight-game losing streak against Bendigo league arch-rivals Kyneton in spectacular fashion on Good Friday.

Jack Scanlon celebrates a goal. Picture: Aaron Cook

Gisborne snapped an eight-game losing streak against Kyneton in spectacular fashion on Good Friday.

The Bulldogs hadn’t beaten their arch-rivals since 2014 but an eight-goal opening quarter put the result to bed early at Gardiner Reserve.

Prodigal son Pat McKenna bagged eight goals in the 21.20 (146) to 7.9 (51) rout in front of a huge Easter holiday crowd.

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McKenna was one of the boom recruits of the Bendigo league off-season after stints with AFL clubs GWS and Melbourne and has formed a strong bond with fellow forwards Jack Scanlon, Jaidyn Owen, Tom Wood and Jake Conolan.

Gisborne coach Clinton Young kicked two goals himself in his first game of the season and was impressed with his team’s fast start.

“It’s been quite some time they’ve had the wood on us,” he said.

Pat McKenna kicked eight goals. Picture: Aaron Cook

Jack Scanlon added three majors. Picture: Aaron Cook

“Following on from the week before, I thought the boys started strong and it was eight goals to zero at quarter time.

“Our ruckman, Josh Grabham, I thought was best on ground and he’s become one of the dominant ruckman in the comp now. He’s really physical and his follow up work is outstanding.

“There was definitely a few things we can continue to work on but it’s been a great start to the year.”

The Bulldogs increased their lead at every change and Young is pleased with how the new faces have jelled.

“Across every single line we’ve got players that weren’t there last year,” he said.

Brad Bernacki gets a kick away. Picture: Aaron Cook

“Continual improvement is what we’re after and it’s been a good start to the year.

Rhys Magin, Taylor Kelly and Rhys Smith were Kyneton’s best on a tough day for the club.

Sitting on top of the ladder with a monster percentage of 335, the Bulldogs face winless Kangaroo Flat away from home in Round 3, while the Tigers will seek their first win of the season at Castlemaine.

Young was quick to remind his team after the match there was still a long way to go.

“I was definitely happy with the win,” he said.

“Ultimately, I think running out the game and some skills issues we can still improve.”

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