Drama aplenty in preliminary

IT was ecstasy and agony as Gisborne and Golden Square fought out a dramatic finish to the Bendigo Bank Bendigo Football League’s senior footy preliminary final on Saturday.

With a place in the grand final at stake the all-Bulldogs clash added another chapter to a history of finals games at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

The Rob Waters-coached Gisborne led 14-10 at quarter-time, but Golden Square took control in the second.

There was plenty of attacking dare and flair by the blue and gold, but wayward kicking at goal would prove costly.

Despite dominating general play, Golden Square’s tally of 3.5 to 2.2 in the second term meant its lead was just five points at the long break.

In a match where there were plenty of stoppages and tackling, Golden Square added 2.1 to 1.3 in the crucial third quarter to lead 46-37 at the last break.

It was to be either Waters or Golden Square coach Christian Carter who would give their address at three quarter-time for the season.

Led by the play of ruckman Braidon Blake, rover Flynn Lakey, and work of Zachary Vescovi, Gisborne fired up to score 3.2 in a superb finish to the match.

Gisborne took the lead approaching time-on and worked incredibly hard to stay in front.

There were scoring chances for Square, but they were either points or went out of bounds on the full.

At the final siren it was Gisborne which led 57-55 to clinch its first grand final appearance since 2012.

Josh Kemp kicked three goals for Gisborne as Joel Brett and Hamish Morcom added two goals each for Golden Square.

Best for Gisborne included Brad Bernacki, key defender Jack Reaper, and Nicholas Doolan.

Golden Square’s best were Ryan Hartley, Ricky Monti, Hamish Morcom, Jack Geary, Zavier Murley and Jon Coe.