In its last game a fortnight ago, Gisborne lost to Golden Square by 52 points at Gardiner Reserve.

But the effort and endeavour of the young Gisborne side couldn’t be questioned against the league-leaders.

The Bulldogs chased, tackled and harassed their more-fancied opponents and had their fair share of the ball – they were leading the inside-50 count during the third quarter – but in what is a year of rebuilding for Gisborne, the result was a 19.18 (132) to 11.14 (80) loss.

Although, Gisborne’s score of 80 came after Golden Square had conceded an average of just 59 in its first 13 games.

“If we can match those consistent efforts of the Golden Square game, and if we can concentrate on our process and structures, then the result against Strathfieldsaye will look after itself,’’ Elliott said yesterday.

“But until we get those processes and structures consistently right, the results won’t go our way.’’

Gisborne is eighth on the ladder with a 3-11 record, and has lost its past six games.

Strathfieldsaye – which has lost its first three games against Gisborne – occupies seventh position with a 5-9 record.

n At Country Vet Oval, Golden Square will host Kyneton from 2.20pm.

The Bulldogs (13-1) will start red-hot favourites against Kyneton (3-11), having won their past 10 games against the Tigers by an average of 89 points.