The Roos trailed by three goals at half time of a finals-like game at Dower Park, but a 28- to 21-goal second half helped the reigning premiers record a thrilling 51-47 win.

Kangaroo Flat was well led by a best-on-court effort from centre Chelsea Sartori and another inspired shooting performance from Ruby Barkmeyer.

The teenage Roo shot 41 of her team's goals, including several clutch efforts in the final quarter as the gallant Bulldogs attempted to regain control.

Her game drew high praise from new Gisborne coach Guy Keane, as did the performance of two other Roos.

"Ruby was a real standout in goals, for a young girl she's got a lot of talent behind her," he said.

"She actually sank some really long, crucial goals for them.

"Their goal attack (Jamie-Lee Clohesy) was quite crafty too.

"Chelsea Sartori really controlled their play and really took on the drive to get some depth and penetration into their goal third and was very good."

Keane believed his young side would learn plenty from the loss, which was the Bulldogs' first in three games this season.

"We started really well and the girls were executing the game plan well, particularly in the first half," he said.

"I thought there was a middle patch in that second quarter where we got to five or six goals up and we just didn't recognise the moment to put the foot down and extend that lead."

Dual Roos premiership coach Janelle Hobbs praised her side's fighting spirit after they were forced to play catch-up on several occasions.

The Roos led 7-2 early in the opening quarter before conceding 11 of the next 12 goals, and trailed midway through the second quarter by 12 goals.

"The girls came out really strong and stuck to the tasks we talked about pre-game and really pushed hard for the four quarters," Hobbs said.

"The pressure they applied through the court was amazing, and finished off well by our goalers.

"It was very well deserved, I'm proud of the girls.

"The things with this group is they never give in.

"Even if they do have a patch where they get down, I have the confidence in them and they have it in themselves to get back.”

The win has Kangaroo Flat level on two wins and one loss with five other teams.

Sandhurst heads the ladder as the only undefeated team after a convincing 53-27 win over Golden Square at Wade Street.

Castlemaine snapped a 42-game losing streak by defeating Kyneton 43-30.

It was the Magpies' first win since round 14 of the 2014 season, when they defeated Eaglehawk.

South Bendigo produced its biggest win during coach Benita Swatton's two year coaching reign, upsetting Maryborough 57-49 at the QEO.

The win was the first this season for the Bloods, who play the Magpies in Castlemaine this week.

Eaglehawk moved to 2-1 with a 52-41 win over Strathfieldsaye.