Joshua Clissold takes on the tackle of Joshua Fea.
Gibson and Esperance played out one of the more memorable EDFA League home and away matches in recent times at the Old Oval on Saturday night.
Still and dry conditions greeted the players, perfect for night football as both teams demonstrated hard, tough and lightning quick skills as the Tigers ran out winners by six points 11.5 (71) to 10.5 (65).
Gibson achieved a rapid start booting five goals to two in the opening quarter, controlling the midfield contest after being first to the football and getting it to their outside runners.
In a turnaround from the opening term the Bulldogs dominated the contested stoppages and clearances in the second and third quarters to lead by 21 points midway through the third stanza.
Late goals to Jeremy Curry and Jordan McAllister, after the Tigers regained its structure and outside run, clawed the margin to nine points at the last break.
The final quarter settled down to a congested midfield battle as Sam Johnston stepped up kicking the only two goals for the quarter to give Gibson the six point win.
Curry (two goals), McAllister (two goals), Cam Quenby and Patrick Quinlivan all played key roles for the Tigers.
The Bulldogs were buoyed by the return of brothers Braydon and Rhys Wood (two goals) from suspension while Brendon White (one goal), defenders Tyson Graham and Liam Baines toiled hard.
Meanwhile, the Tigers will travel into town to take on the Blues in the second clash for the Quinlivan-Rule Trophy at Ports Oval tomorrow.
The trophy, struck in honour of two EDFA life members, Tom Quinlivan (Dec) and Paddy Rule, recognises the pairs efforts as long term players, coaches and administrators of the EDFA and the Gibson and Ports Football Clubs, respectively.
There is no reason not to attend local matches at Ports Oval, as the Blues major sponsor QUBE have thrown the gates open, with free entry to all of its six home games in season 2025.
