Gisborne star Bernacki sidelined from BFNL grand final with broken jaw
Brad Bernacki won't play Saturday's grand final after fracturing his jaw in last week's preliminary final.
Brad Bernacki broke his jaw in the final quarter of Gisborne's preliminary final win over Eaglehawk last Saturday and won't play in this weekend's grand final against Sandhurst. The injury happened at a boundary throw-in with Noah Wheeler.
Officials said the contact was fair. They did not send it to the match review panel.
Gisborne coach Rob Waters said Bernacki won't play even though he wants to. Bernacki has been the Bulldogs' best player all season.
He had an average of 37.4 disposals and 10.5 clearances per game. He kicked 21 goals.
The Bulldogs will also play without captain Jack Reaper (ACL) and ruckman Braidon Blake (knee). Saturday is Gisborne's last day in the BFNL before moving to Ballarat.
- Brad Bernacki
- Injured player
- Broken jaw
- Injury type
- 37.4 per game
- Average disposals
- 21
- Goals this season
Why it mattersLosing a star midfielder to injury just before a grand final weakens Gisborne's premiership chances. This happens in their farewell season at the league.
AustraliaThe Bendigo Football Netball League grand final this Saturday will be missing one of its best players in a major upset.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 9 d ago
