GISBORNE kicked an unanswered five goals in the final quarter to complete a stunning comeback against Eaglehawk in a thrilling BFNL clash on Saturday.

The odds were stacked against the Bulldogs when they trailed the Hawks by 27 points at three quarter-time at Canterbury Park.

The Bulldogs had been held to just four goals over the first three quarters as they had been smothered by the Hawks and beaten through the midfield.

However, the gritty Bulldogs dug deep in the final term and booted the last five goals to run down the Hawks and prevail by four points, 9.13 (67) to 8.15 (63), in a clash that had plenty of niggle in it from the outset.

Even as late as the 25-minute mark of the final term the Bulldogs were still 14 points in arrears.

But two quick goals to captain Pat McKenna brought the margin back within a kick, before Josh Kemp nailed the match-winner from 25m out to deliver a gutsy victory for the visitors.

It was just Eaglehawk's second loss in its past 30 games at Canterbury Park, with both defeats having come at the hands of Gisborne, which also won at the ground in 2019.

Continuing a recent history of cracking contests between the Hawks and Bulldogs, it was the third time in their past six meetings they have been separated by just four points.

"We had to really bring the fight to them in the last quarter because they bullied us for the first three," Gisborne coach Rob Waters said.

"We did that in the last quarter and the boys will take an enormous amount out of today. It's huge for our boys in terms of their belief."

In other games on Saturday, the red-hot Sandhurst belted Castlemaine by 188 points at Camp Reserve, 31.21 (207) to 2.7 (19).

With other results falling their way, the undefeated Dragons now have a two-game break at the top of the ladder.

Reigning premier Strathfieldsaye's momentum continues to build. The Storm won their fourth game in a row with a 17.13 (115) to 11.8 (74) victory over South Bendigo at the QEO.

And Kyneton beat country rivals Maryborough 17.13 (115) to 12.12 (84) at home.

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