BROADFORD had a tough afternoon in what was its second – and likely last – Bendigo Football Netball League matchup with Gisborne at Gardiner Reserve on Saturday, with the Bulldogs making a move to the Ballarat league in 2027.
With the Bulldogs playing to ensure they would maintain the double chance with a win, they were relentless in making sure they put the foot down early, kicking 10 goals. Broadford had three chances, but all were behinds as the Kangaroos trailed 3-63 at the first change.
Gisborne was in no mood to slow down the pace, particularly with ex-AFL talent Pat McKenna leading the charge up forward. There were some good moments for Broadford, with a forward-half turnover, followed by positive play from Oliver Lubeck, helping set up Jacob Street-Glasson, who crumbed expertly to kick the first goal for Broadford.
However, the Bulldogs still had all the answers, kicking another 10 goals to lead 128-9 at the main break.
Gisborne again took charge in the third quarter, kicking eight goals to one behind to ensure it would be a 172-point advantage at the final change, 182-10.
The Kangaroos again had some positives with front-half turnovers, with Street-Glasson again playing a role, before Isaac Smithwick set up Jarrah Younger for a set shot. Younger’s effort went to the goalsquare, but Harry Behan flew high to take a spectacular mark, converting for the Roos’ second goal.
As the game wore on, Gisborne took advantage of the tiring Roos’ legs to kick 12 goals for the term, finishing with a 40.18 (258) to 2.4 (16) victory.
Owen Sloan never stopped trying, while Lubeck did his best to provide an option. Bryce Fleming, Smithwick, Ben Thompson and Behan were also named in the best.
Broadford’s reserves fought hard, winning the third quarter, before nine last quarter goals meant Gisborne took a 99-point victory, with Jabe Brown, Zac Brown, Sam Ray, Blake Knight, Jayden Welch and David Hussey playing well.
Broadford’s under 18s won via forfeit. While not the way it would have liked to, it means the Roos do have competition points for the first time on the football field since moving to the Bendigo league.
The Roos’ netballers had a tough day, with A-grade going down 75-11, B-grade losing 80-21 and B-reserve losing 102-16, while the 17-and-under had a competitive outing, losing 50-18 to a powerful Gisborne netball outfit.
