Western Border Football League preview
West Gambier v East Gambier
There will be a lot to gain at Malseed Park where West and East Gambier will collide in what already shapes up to be a pivotal game in their respective 2022 Western Border Football League seasons.
The pressure will be on the Bulldogs who have suffered an underwhelming start to the 2022 season losing all three games.
The team has entered a new phase this year and has scrapped hard with little reward.
East had a great chance to get off the mark last week against Casterton Sandford, but threw it away by failing to convert on its chances despite creating more scoring shots and new recruit Garret Ha proving his worth.
To rub salt into the wounds, co-coach Matt Scanlon hurt his hamstring during the tight contest and may struggle to lead his men onto the field as they take aim at the Roos.
West Gambier only got the better of the Bulldogs once last year, but it was at Malseed Park and Daron McElroy’s team hopes history can repeat.
The Roos have had an up and down start to the year with two disappointing defeats sandwiching a special win over North where some fearless football made the difference.
Last week the services of McElroy were missed due to injury and he has his fingers crossed to be fit for this weekend.
The combination of the coach tapping to Lawry Bradley-Brown could be hard to stop for the Dogs.
West and East played some great battles in 2021 and the first edition of 2022 could be another classic.
Millicent v North Gambier
After just a four-day break, North Gambier hopes to push another premiership contender to the edge in what shapes up to be an unmissable battle.
Millicent hosts the Tigers and will be looking to put on a show with many fans expected to gather at McLaughlin Park for the blockbuster Saturday evening contest.
Since slipping in the game against South in the opening round, the Saints have shown their style and proved it is deadly as ever.
Last week Millicent easily accounted for West Gambier without big names such as Clint Gallio and Tom Hutchesson, but the likes of Dylan Bromley, Josh Werchon and Eli Redman are in hot form.
One area of concern for the Saints is converting shots at goal with a record of 37.63 in 2022 which could open the door for North.
The Tigers may have a 1-2 record, but showed on Anzac Day they possess the ability to beat anyone by pushing top team South to the very edge.
Some gutsy work by Sam Stafford and Nick McInerney gave the yellow and black a lead at half time, but they could not run the game out.
A four-quarter effort will be key, but the question will be does North have enough left in the tank after a tight turnaround?
Casterton Sandford v South Gambier
Casterton Sandford has been the most improved team of the year and this reputation could go on the line when South Gambier comes to town.
The Demons won two of the three battles against the Cats last year by 100 points, but they should receive a greater fight this time around.
Hamish McCrae and Billy Galpin have been in fine form making impacts all over the ground being key parts of a rejuvenated Casterton Sandford outfit currently sitting third on the ladder.
However, with Brett O’Neil, Brayden Kain and Brodie Foster all flying high, South should prove too strong once again.
