The Dragons are set to face rivals Redan in a first-versus-second showdown at Mars Stadium on Sunday. 

Both teams only had the one loss in the home and away season, against each other, but Redan defeated East Point in a semi final.

In Sunday’s preliminary final at Alfredton Oval, it was Gisborne that kicked the first goal of the match and had the lead at quarter time.

But the Dragons were able to settle as the game progressed and made their opportunities count on the scoreboard to build a lead in the second quarter.

East Point coach Michael Colville described the Bulldogs as a very strong and talented team despite the 18-point winning margin. 

“We were just able to get the ball out and open the game up a bit more and then play a bit more freely, which helped us run over the top of them,” Colville said. 

“For us as a team the focus was to stay the course and not get our heads down.

“If we keep doing what we’ve done all year, we know our process will work.”

Colville was impressed with Zoe Russell’s attack on the contest and tackling, while Jasmine Coleman’s rebounding game across the half back line was pivotal for the team, and Emily Boswell starred in the ruck.

With all the players available for selection, Colville now faces the challenge of picking a grand final side. 

“We’re coming off three tough finals games now in a row, so there are going to be some sore bodies,” he said.

“There will be some upset people who won’t get a game, but hopefully they understand it is a team sport and they still feel part of it.

“They played games that got us to where we are now, without them we wouldn’t have got there.”

Colville said the players were very excited after the preliminary final, knowing there was another week of football to go and a chance at premiership glory. 

“I feel Redan and East Point, the top two teams all season, are deserving of a chance to play off in a grand final,” Colville said.