Eaglehawk have shown fellow BFNL teams that they're in prime contention for a premiership this year following a one-goal victory over Gisborne on Saturday.
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In a nail-biting finish the Hawks locked down their nest to secure the 48-47 win over the Bulldogs.
"It was intense all game. We had a slow start and fought back and then there was only a couple of goals difference from then on," Eaglehawk coach Mali Roberts said.
"The final minutes were hard. We were ahead, but due to a couple of turnovers and tough calls in the last three minutes it allowed Gisborne to get back within one goal.
"But our crowd was behind us and even the last 30 seconds were ridiculous, they even had a penalty shot on the buzzer, it was unbelievable."
Roberts attributed the success to her team's steady performance from start to finish.
"It was the most consistent game we've played this season," coach Mali Roberts said.
"Allira (co-coach) and I have put a lot of work into the basics of having a positive mindset and getting it right.
"This is what it did for us this week, we played a steady game without panicking - regardless of the scoreline."
Roberts said a whole team effort was required to get the upper hand over the Bulldogs.
"Every player worked extremely hard, kept our pace, minimised risky plays to ensure the ball got to where it needed and continually encouraged each other for the full four quarters."
Gisborne captain Maddy Stewart said despite a good start to the game Eaglehawk capitalised at the right moment.
"We got away to a really good start... then they pegged it back a little bit and it was goal for goal," Stewart said.
"And towards the end of the game we couldn't really run it out so they finished it off and capitalised."
Despite the loss, there were many things Stewart recognised of her team which will be addressed to ensure stronger performances in the future.
"Our consistency has been lacking and it probably showed yesterday when we went up against one of the stronger teams," Stewart said.
"We need to make sure we capitalise on balls we're getting and recognise the right moments when we need to push - it's important to change and adapt out on the court and not wait until quarter time and half-time to adjust."
After a draw against South Bendigo in round two, Eaglehawk now has 4-1 record while Gisborne is now at 5-1 following their first loss of the season.
Meanwhile in other games, it was a cliffhanger between Maryborough and Kyneton, with the teams neck-and-neck on 50 goals each on the final siren.
The Tigers 2-3 and the Magpies 2-3 now each have a draw on their record.
Sandhurst had no issues in locking down their home court with a convincing 43-goal win over Golden Square, final scores 67-24.
The Dragons 6-0 are the only undefeated team in the league while the Bulldogs 0-7 remain without a win this season.
Kangaroo Flat secured a 33-goal win over South Bendigo, the final scores were 64-31.
The Roos 4-2 remain within the top-five while South Bendigo 2-4 sit in seventh position.
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