After its loss to Millicent last weekend, West Gambier now faces North Gambier for a spot in the 2023 Western Border Football League grand final.
North Gambier’s dominant win over South Gambier kept its season alive and in the hunt for the flag.
North Gambier finished third after a successful season which saw the Tigers play some good competitive footy.
However only two other teams remain and North Gambier are yet to beat either during the home and away season leading to some doubts over whether it can get the job done.
The previous three encounters between West Gambier and North Gambier saw the Roos win by 60 points, 15 points and three points.
North Gambier has closed the gap during the season but will need to go a step further if it is to get itself into the grand final against Millicent.
West Gambier has proven itself to be excellent in close matches this season, winning every match decided by less than 10 points apart from its draw to East Gambier.
The ability to fight to the last minute and get the result is incredibly important in the finals and it could be a crucial advantage for the Roos.
It’s yet another do or die between West Gambier and North Gambier, the sides met in the first final last year with North Gambier ending the Roos season, now West Gambier will look to get revenge for last year and get a spot in the decider.
North Gambiers forward line was a highlight during its win over South Gambier in the first final.
Toby Dewitt was incredibly dangerous and the Demons had no answers, he would finish with eight goals for the game.
Sam Stafford was also important going forward, South Gambier were pushing the Tigers hard but Stafford stood up and kicked four goals in a quarter to give North Gambier a comfortable three quarter time lead.
The West Gambier defence have performed excellently this season but it will surely have its work cut out for it if DeWitt and Stafford are on.
West Gambier’s Thomas Holmes has been in good form in recent, Holmes kicked six goals in the last two games and has contributed when called upon.
Andrew Stone has also been an important player for West Gambier and North Gambier will have its hands full trying to limit his impact on the final.
With a grand final spot on the line both sides have everything to play for, and the preliminary final is set up to be an enthralling contest between two high quality sides.
Only one side will have the chance to stop a Millicent three-peat as a season defining match approaches.
