The Bulldogs had a 1-7 record and looked destined to finish in the bottom two on the ladder.

Three-straight wins has turned the Bulldogs’ season around.

Saturday’s 100-point win over Maryborough, combined with Kangaroo Flat’s loss to Castlemaine, has moved Gisborne within one win of the top five and the finals are a real possibility.

Maryborough served it up to Gisborne early in the game, but after quarter time it was one-way traffic.

The Bulldogs kicked 13 goals to four in the final three quarters to win 23.17 (155) to 8.7 (55).

In the absence of key forward Matt Knox, Ben Sonogan stepped up for Gisborne, kicking a season-high six goals.

Pat Trotts was superb for Gisborne, while youngster Trent Crosbie was lively, kicking three goals.

Andre Headberry, Riley Paterson and Josh Govan were also among Gisborne’s best players.

Maryborough didn’t have the services of former Carlton midfielder Brock McLean or NT-based forward Dion Munkara and didn’t have the class to go with the Bulldogs over four quarters.

Bendigo Pioneers duo Baily Edwards and Billy Mahony were best for Maryborough, while Cam Skinner, Joel Radlof and James Macer battled hard.