In dry, overcast conditions at the Buninyong Football Ground, Daylesford clawed their way back after trailing the home side by 20 points at half-time to snatch a thrilling win on the siren.

Poor kicking for goal hurt Daylesford throughout the game, and as a consequence set up the frantic final term.

The Bulldogs hit the front for the first time late in the final quarter with a goal from Xavier Keighran, with10 minutes of play remaining to decide the game.

With both sides struggling to get that elusive goal, Buninyong looked certain to score before a game-saving chase and tackle by Rob Rodgers stopped Buninyong in their tracks.

However, with only minutes remaining a clever snapped goal from the Bombers gave them back the lead and this looked to be the sealer.

From the next bounce the ball again found itself around the Buninyong half-forward line, but a free kick and then a 50-metre penalty in Daylesford's favour gave the Bulldogs a slight chance of pinching the game.

A long, driving kick towards the goal square saw spearhead Andrew Button receive a free kick in a marking contest close to goal. As the siren sounded Button kicked truly, capping off a fantastic effort for Daylesford to not only get back into the game, but to win it.

Looking back on the match, it was all Buninyong early with the Bombers kicking the first three goals of the match - putting them in a threatening position. After leading by three goals at quarter time, Buninyong extended the lead slightly in the second term, making the most of their opportunities when they went forward.

Clayton Scoble was terrific for the Bulldogs, constantly winning the one-on-one contests with his opponent and gaining Daylesford possession of the footy.

New recruits Nick Sullivan and Toby Hughes were also solid in their opening games, winning plenty of the ball and managing to kick three important goals between them.

RESERVES

THE Daylesford Bulldogs reserves were unable to get a win in their round-one match up, going down to Buninyong by 25 points.

A few lapses in play from the Bulldogs cost the team dearly on the scoreboard, with the Bombers able to pile on several goals in quick succession to build a handy lead.

Chris Mobbs was Daylesford's best player, giving a gutsy performance in the ruck and winning many kicks around the ground.