The visitors brought a strong side with them to match the full list the Emus had available for the game.
The Emus were keen to avoid giving the Bulldogs a head-start in the first quarter as they had given up big leads early in their past couple of games, and this showed as the first quarter was tight, with the Emus winning plenty of ball through midfielders Phil Arnott and first-gamer Braydan Ramsey.
This led to several forward-50 entries — however, they were only able to convert one major through Blair Pascoe.
Unfortunately for the Emus, the Bulldogs were a bit more efficient with their attacks, which lead to three goals for them in the opening term.
The game remained competitive throughout the encounter, with Echuca-Moama continuing to fight hard and set up plenty of chances, but the Bulldogs seemed to be just one step ahead most of the time.
Damian Hammond was frequently in the action and used all over the ground to add his influence where most needed, with Troy Arlow and Robert O’Connor having typically impressive games along the wings by frequently linking up their back and forward lines.
Clint Jurey and Garner Smith were switched to defence to help stop Gisborne’s lead from getting unattainable, and both had immediate and big impacts.
Troy Ramsey, O’Brien and Smith were able to add more goals to the Emus’ tally by three-quarter time, but the Bulldogs still maintained their advantage.
The last quarter kept the same pace and intensity of the first three quarters, with the Emus desperately trying to gain the lead before the final siren.
While Pascoe was able to boot through his second for the day, it wasn’t enough to catch the Bulldogs who booted through another in the final quarter to seal a close result.
Goals: B. Pascoe 2, G. Smith, O’Brien, T. Ramsay, Walker
Best: P. Arnott, B. Ramsey, D. Hammond, O’Brien, T. Arlow, C. Jurey, R. O’Connor, B. Pascoe
10°C