GISBORNE continues to announce itself as a genuine premiership contender in BFNL 17-and-under netball, after a powerful win over Kangaroo Flat on Saturday.
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A talent-laden Bulldogs, coached by their A-grade star and reigning Betty Thompson Medal winner Maddy Stewart, defeated the young Roos 62-24.
The win catapulted the Bulldogs to the top of the ladder after three rounds and continued their status as one of four unbeaten teams in the premier 17-and-under competition.
Reigning premiers Sandhurst is also undefeated after a similarly impressive 60-38 win against South Bendigo.
The Dragons hold down second spot ahead of Golden Square, which notched up win number two against Strathfieldsaye (59-37), while Eaglehawk is also unbeaten following a 45-25 win at Maryborough.
Gisborne is aiming to go one better in 2018, after losing last season's premiership decider against Sandhurst 40-33, and on the strength of Saturday's performance will be a legitimate threat to do so.
The Bulldogs oozed strength all over the court, starting at the back end, where 2019 league representative Georgia Murray and Charlotte Crook, who was runner-up in last season's league best and fairest behind Kangaroo Flat's Ella Wicks, dominated in defence.
A class midcourt was powered by centre Olivia Rodda and newcomer Kiralee Collings at wing attack, while Liv Floreani was a standout with her accuracy at goal attack.
The Roos contionued to battle hard all game, with plenty of improvement coming in the seconds half
With a pair wins on the board and an injection of fresh faces, Bullodgs coach Stewart believed there were exciting teams ahead for the young Bulldogs.
"They have been two really strong wins too ... to win by that margin against Kangaroo Flat was really impressive," she said.
"They are always a reasonably strong side and are very well coached.
"Charlotte Crook had a great game; she is always very solid in defence and provides a lot of ball movement down the court.
"Kiralee is only new ... she is only 15, but really strong and steady and is also in the under-15 Victorian school squad, which is great for her.
"Liv Floreani is another 15-year-old, who is also new to the club this year and has provided a lot of movement for us down there in goals. She's also extremely accurate."
Stewart said the new recruits were a testament to Gisborne's solid junior program
"We have quite a big team this year numbers-wise, but I also have a few training partners as well, which is exciting having those young girls around our club," she said.
The Bulldogs, who last won a 17-and-under flag in 2016, will continue their season against Strathfieldsaye this Saturday.
In other games, Eaglehawk hosts Maryborough, Golden Square clashes with South Bendigo, and Sandhurst battles Maryborough.
Ladder: Gisborne 2-0 (353.85 per cent); Sandhurst 3-0 (204.21); Golden Square 2-0 (152.11); Eaglehawk 3-0 (130.36); Castlemaine 1-1 (61.54); South Bendigo (1-2) (100.68); Strathfieldsaye 0-3 (64.41); Maryborough 0-3 (53.75); Kangaroo Flat 0-3 (46.86).
Kyneton does not have a 17-and-under team
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