McKenna kicked 12 goals as the Bulldogs cruised to a 33.27 (225) to 2.1 (13) win over the Pies at Gardiner Reserve.

The Dogs' score and winning margin were the club's biggest since they disposed of Kyneton 38.16 (244) to 3.3 (21) in round 11, 2008.

AFter a disappointing performance against South Bendigo the previous week, Gisborne coach Rob Waters said it was a pleasing response from his players.

"We had some unfinished previous from the South Bendigo game where we didn't work hard enough and we were shown how hard you have to work to win a game of footy,'' Waters said.

"South Bendigo showed us up in all areas and, regardless of who we played today, that's what we needed to work on today.

"Castlemaine are a very young side that is rebuilding, but they were very, very good against Kyneton the week before, so we knew we were in for a tough game. I was happy with the way the boys responded."

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McKenna, who missed the match against South Bendigo, showed his class with 12 goals to take his season tally to 20 in three matches.

"Patty gave off a few goals as well...geez, he was very good,'' Waters said of McKenna.

To rub salt into Castlemaine's wounds two of the Pies' former players - Jake O'Brien and Braidon Blake kicked eight goals between them and played well.

Teenage midfielder Flynn Lakey impressed for the Dogs, while centre half-forward Jack Scanlon kicked four goals as he continues to build his confidence.

The young Pies couldn't replicate the performance that saw them stretch Kyneton to the limit the week before.

Half-back John Watson once again played well for four quarters and he would be leading the club best and fairest comfortably after five rounds.

Declan Slingo, Angus Mayes and Riley Pedretti battled hard for the Pies against the odds.

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