Gisborne chases three flags in final Bendigo league grand finals
Gisborne plays its final Bendigo league game on Saturday, chasing three premiership flags before moving to the Ballarat league.
The Gisborne Bulldogs will say goodbye to the Bendigo Football Netball League on Saturday at the QEO. They play their tenth BFNL grand final against Sandhurst.
The club's B grade and B reserve netball sides also contest finals. Gisborne joined the Bendigo league in 2000 and has fought hard every season.
Only Golden Square has appeared in more senior finals. The club tried to move to the Ballarat league in 2026 but was blocked by AFL Victoria and the Bendigo league.
Club president Tony Brancatisano vowed they would compete hard regardless. The move comes after the club won clearance to Ballarat.
They cited distance: 76 kilometres from their nearest Bendigo opponent but only 35 kilometres from four Ballarat league clubs.
- since 2000
- Years in Bendigo league
- tenth
- Grand final appearances
- 76 kilometres
- Distance to nearest Bendigo opponent
- 35 kilometres
- Distance to Ballarat league clubs
Why it mattersA 26-year league history hinges on Saturday's result; it marks the end of an era for a successful regional club moving to a more geographically suited competition.
AustraliaFor regional Victoria football fans, it's the farewell of a major Bendigo league club and a shift in the balance of regional competitions as Ballarat gains a successful side.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 7 d ago
