The Giants jumped out of the blocks kicking three first-quarter goals, while keeping the Doggies scoreless.
Leading at half-time by 22 points, the Giants withstood a fast finishing Bulldogs side to take the game by 25 points. To their credit the Bulldogs’ players fought the game out to the final siren.
Colby Mathieson, Will O’Donoghue, Charlie McCarthy, Jasper DeFazio, Lochy Boyle and Hobie Tonks were the Giants’ best players. For the Bulldogs, Mitch Antonello, Blake Booker, Angus Lithgow, Charles Moll, Will Stickland and Charlie Bull were the best players.
In the under-14 match, the Bulldogs were too strong for the Giants, the final margin blowing out to 70 points.
Top-age players Henry Hill (seven goals) and Jobe Parmansche (two) were too strong for the Giants to handle, while Riley Ely, Joe Berry, Sam Begley, James Cooke and Miller Gilchrist continued their excellent form.
For the Giants, who have some talented first-year players on their list and will have learnt a lot from experienced coach Peter Woods, the future is bright.
Kyle Termorshuizen, Flynn Weeks, Charlie Burfield, Max Woods, Cooper Gracie and Cooper Woods were all impressive.
Benalla Red and Benalla White played out an entertaining match prior to the Giants-Bulldogs match. Leading by 14 points at half-time, Red kicked four goals in the final quarter to break open the match.
Jaiden Chee, Monty McFarlane and Kyle Pearce were White’s best players, while Hamish Willett, Kye Miller, Rory Sammon, Trent Nicholson, Ryan Hopgood and Mitch Cooney were in the engine room for Red.
This Saturday Benalla Bulldogs have the bye, while the Giants take on Mansfield at Benalla Showgrounds.
An under-12 representative game will be played against Mansfield prior to the under-14 and under-16 matches commencing at 9am.