The Bulldogs didn't have to be told that were going to have to get their hands dirty if they were to beat Sandhurst to stay in the race for a top-two finish in the Bendigo Football League.

They were ready for the challenge.

The likes of Cameron Medica, Darren Farrugia, Jason Duff-Tyler, Josh Bain, Jacob Forder and Michael Thornton threw their bodies into the packs as the home side clinched a valuable 21-point win in blustery conditions.

Leading by four points at three quarter-time, Gisborne finished strongly, kicking 4.5 to 2.0 with the advantage of the wind.

Club president Graeme Love was full of praise for the tireless efforts of the players in such trying conditions.

"I'm very happy," he said.

He added coaching staff and spectators alike were left scratching their heads at times over just which side was which because of the mud.

"There was only one problem, you couldn't work out who was who," he said with a chuckle.

"You had to wait to see which way the footy went. We've got plenty of good mud."

The third-placed Bulldogs host second-placed Golden Square in a blockbuster at Gardiner Reserve this Saturday.

A win should see Gisborne jump to second spot on the ladder.

With so much at stake, it promises to be an enthralling game and Love urges fans to pack the terraces to cheer on the players.

Love and his committee will hold talks with Ballarat Football League officials at the social rooms at Gardiner Reserve tomorrow night (Wednesday).

The Ballarat Football League has made the Bulldogs a lucrative offer to switch from the Bendigo Football League.

"The Ballarat Football League is saying we will be something like $35,000 better off if we come across," Love said. "We're meeting with them on Wednesday night. Then we will sit down [as a committee] and evaluate the proposal.

"I don't know whether it will get off the ground or not."

The Bendigo Football League ladder after 13 rounds is: South Bendigo (44 points), Golden Square (44), Gisborne (40), Kangaroo Flat (32), Eaglehawk (28), Sandhurst (24), Castlemaine (16), Maryborough (16), Strathfieldsaye (12), Kyneton (4).