GISBORNE coach Clinton Young says the Bulldogs must again produce a consistent four-quarter effort and spread the load evenly among their 22 if they are to claim the scalp of reigning BFNL premier Strathfieldsaye this Saturday.
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The Bulldogs opened their 2018 season with the biggest win of round one – a 73-point victory over Kangaroo Flat at Gardiner Reserve that has Gisborne the first team for the year to occupy top position.
“I was really happy with the way the boys approached the game and were able to play well for four quarters,” Young said on Wednesday.
“What was most pleasing was the even contribution we had from the entire team. It was a good start to the season and we’re very much looking forward to this week against Strathfieldsaye.”
Young made his coaching debut for the Bulldogs from the sidelines after a hamstring injury curtailed his start to the season.
“I’m not sure how many more weeks I will be out for, but in some ways it’s a bit of a blessing in disguise for my coaching early and it was good to be able to observe everything from the bench,” Young said.
The Storm will unfurl their 2017 premiership flag on Saturday ahead of what will be a twilight game against the Bulldogs at Tannery Lane starting at 4.15pm.
Strathfieldsaye is coming off a 25-point loss to Eaglehawk in round one and will meet a Bulldogs side that is hungry to take the next step against the league’s top echelon of sides.
Over the previous three seasons the Bulldogs haven’t beaten any team other than Maryborough, Kangaroo Flat, Castlemaine or South Bendigo.
“Every team we come up against that we couldn’t get across the line against last year we’re really looking forward to taking on,” Young said.
“Strathfieldsaye is one of those teams that has had the wood over us over the past few years, so we’re looking forward to playing the reigning premiers on their home deck… it’s a great challenge for us.
“Hopefully, our boys can produce four quarters and we get an even contribution like last week... that will be a good starting point for us on Saturday.”
