Gippsland had more scoring shots, more inside 50s and dominated the stoppages, but Bendigo won the only statistic that matters, the scoreboard, 15.11 (101) to 12.20 (92).

After leading by five goals in the second quarter, Bendigo trailed by nine points going into time-on in the final quarter and had both of its ruckmen injured on the bench.

Bendigo had only kicked two goals in the second half and Gippsland had all the momentum.

But somehow the Bendigo players turned the game around.

A set shot goal from Shannon Geary at the 23-minute mark cut the deficit to three points and one minute later Steven Stroobants kicked his third goal for the night to give Bendigo the lead.

Bendigo controlled possession in the dying seconds and it sealed victory inside the final minute when Justin Maddern kicked his fourth goal from the goalsquare.

It's the second-straight year the BFNL has won its inter-league challenge after defeating Ballarat last year.

Saturday night's win elevates Bendigo to number six on the VCFL rankings and a likely clash with fifth seed Geelong next year.

``Last year was really satisfying … we had a bunch of kids and we were up against it,'' Brennan said.

``This year we had a good side in; we were probably rated as favourites and there was more pressure on us.

``The boys were in a position late in the game where we were down and they could have just rolled over.

``But to their credit they've kicked the last three goals of the game to win the game of footy.

``It's a terrific result for Bendigo footy.''