Match Previews | BEATEN in both showdowns with South Bendigo this season, Gisborne faces a huge challenge in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy first semi-final on Sunday.

The Bulldogs and Bloods will fight to stay in the race for the Bendigo Advertiser premiership cup when they clash from 2.20pm at Queen Elizabeth Oval in Bendigo’s View Street.

The Rob Waters-coached Gisborne kicked off its finals campaign against Eaglehawk in last Saturday’s qualifying final.

A hard-fought contest went the the way of the Hawks, 65-56.

On Sunday it was a South Bendigo team coached by Troy Coates, non-playing, and Jack Fallon, playing, which won a dramatic elimination final against Strathfieldsaye by 10 points.

A new-look South Bendigo stunned Gisborne as it won the round two clash in the Bulldogs’ kennel at Gardiner Reserve by 27 points.

When they met again in round nine it was the Bloods who powered to a 115-73 victory on their turf at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval.

On-ball and midfield duels will again play a crucial role in whether it’s Gisborne or South Bendigo which keeps its season rolling.

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