Millicent v South Gambier
It’s grand final rematch time for the Western Border Football League as South Gambier travels to Millicent to take on a side that has caused them heartache in the last couple of years.
It will be the first time the two teams have met since the 2022 grand final which saw Millicent claim its second win over South Gambier in a grand final in as many years.
South Gambier will have to face their demons if they are to find a way to get the better of the Saints.
Millicent will be full of confidence coming off the back of a massive win against East Gambier last Saturday.
While South Gambier has a very young side it could help them if they can play with more hunger than a Millicent side that has seen back to back flags.
South Gambier has the disadvantage of coming off a four day break compared to Millicent’s seven day spell, a result of playing the Anzac Day clash against North Gambier.
The Demons will be aware it will be a tough task to down Millicent a home with such a young squad, but it is wins in games like these that lay the foundation for a future premiership team and if they can manage to do that it will be a massive upset.
North Gambier v West Gambier
North Gambier will host West Gambier for the first game of the season at Vansittart Park.
West Gambier is coming off an impressive 79 point win against Casterton Sandford, while North Gambier will be playing for the second time in five days due to their Anzac Day clash.
West Gambier could potentially finish the round on top of the ladder should they beat North Gambier at home.
The Roos will be out to prove themselves to the rest of the league and especially North Gambier, after the Tigers knocked them out of the finals in the elimination final last season in a 24-point loss.
After a week where their new recruits shined, they will be sure to contribute more in round two as they become more settled as a team.
While North Gambier has a very similar team to last year, the Tigers will hope to keep doing the right things that have made them a very good team over the last few years.
The game will be a good chance for both sides to see where they are this season.
With both teams fancying themselves a very good chance at making the grand final come year’s end they will need to prove they can beat quality opposition during the season.
Expect a tight game that will require a couple of standout performances to get their team over the line.
Casterton Sandford v East Gambier
Two sides coming off the back of two big losses will seek a chance at redemption and to put their season back on track in round two.
While East Gambier is the reigning wooden spooner, the Doggies would have hoped to make it a bit harder for Millicent last round and they will be determined to show up strong to Casterton Sandford on Saturday.
Casterton Sandford will also be disappointed in their result after a big loss against West Gambier.
The Cats will be aware their first and last quarters were very costly last week as they failed to kick a goal in both, but if they can play four quarters of football expect them to make light work of the East Gambier side.
East Gambier will also believe it was two bad quarters that cost them against Millicent, but they will have much more work to do as travelling to the Cattery in never an easy task.
East will believe they have a chance to cause an upset and Casterton Sandford should not take them lightly.
It will be a rough contest between the two sides and that can lead to some sloppy play which will favour East.
