AFTER a scintillating second half against Maryborough last week, Gisborne will be aiming to pick up from where it left off when it hosts Kyneton on Saturday.
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The Bulldogs slammed on 16 goals in the second half last week in what became a 91-point win over a Magpies side that had won their previous two games.
“Maryborough pushed us in the first half and played good, competitive footy,” Gisborne coach Rod Sharp said on Friday.
“But to the boys’ credit, they came out and played a really good second half.
“The boys worked hard in that second half to kick 16 goals and it gives us some confidence.”
With the third-placed Bulldogs now 8-3, they turn their attention to Kyneton at Gardiner Reserve.
The Tigers, who sit seventh, have lost their past three games, but Sharp is wary of the quality of football they are capable of.
Back on Good Friday, the Tigers had 10 more scoring shots than Gisborne, but paid the price for their inaccuracy when they were beaten 13.8 (86) to 9.22 (76).
“If Kyneton turns up with its best footy, they are going to be right in the contest and that’s what we’ll be preparing for... a red-hot game,” Sharp said.
Meanwhile, Matt Fitzgerald’s comeback for Gisborne this year is over after it has been confirmed he has suffered a hamstring tendon injury, similar to that of Hawthorn star Cyril Rioli.
“He’s going to need an operation and is obviously gutted with it because he had worked hard to get back,” Sharp said.
“It’s really disappointing because he shaped as a bit of an X-factor for us, but he has recommitted to the club for next year.”