A Grade
Millicent v North Gambier
It’s grand final time and as the uncertainty of the Western Border league hangs in the balance, Millicent and North Gambier will battle it out for what might possibly be the last ever Western Border premiership.
Millicent has had an excellent season once again as the Saints attempt to make it a three-peat and four premierships in six years.
Standing in the way of Millicent’s expanding dynasty is North Gambier who is searching for its first flag since the 2019 season.
The Tigers were the last club not named Millicent to lift the Western Border premiership cup and will hope to do it again in 2023.
As with any football match the midfield battle will be crucial for the result and the matchup is a tight one.
Millicent has two experienced players in coach Clint Gallio and captain Jacob Carger who will run the midfield with Hamish McRae.
The pair has been excellent this season and will pose a real challenge to North Gambier.
North Gambier’s Nick McInerney has been in excellent form, alongside Justin McConnell and Dale Bachmann in the midfield.
The Tigers midfield have received great service all season from ruckman Mitch Kelton whose battle with the consistent Finn Grimes will be crucial in affecting the result.
Millicent will go into the final full of confidence having won every match between the two sides in the past two seasons.
North Gambier will not mind being underestimated though and will believe it could provide an advantage when the sides meet.
As the season comes to an end both teams will leave everything they have out on the field, North Gambier will go all out for its 10th flag in the Western Border league, while Millicent will be on the hunt for its fifth.
Will the Tigers bite be too much for Millicent or will the Saints march into their third flag in as many years?
Reserves
Millicent v West Gambier
Millicent and West Gambier will face off in the final game of the year in the Reserves.
It’s been an interesting battle between the two sides this season with West Gambier beating Millicent comfortably twice in the back half of the season, however the Saints won the second semi final by a point.
The match has the potential to go in any direction, as Millicent attempts to go one step further than it did last season and claim the flag.
Nathaniel Robbins and Brad Tilley have been excellent for Millicent this season winning the WBFL Reserves best and fairest and runner up respectively, and will have a big impact on the result.
Millicent will need to shut down the dangerous Josh Schapel who has been prolific in front of goal if it is to claim the win.
Under 18
South Gambier v North Gambier
It’s a rematch in the under 18s as the reigning premiers take on last season’s runner up North Gambier.
South Gambier has been the best side this season however its one loss for the season was against North Gambier in round 11.
Both sides know they can win and it will come right down to the wire.
Expect a big performance from league best and fairest Trae Hamliton for the Tigers, while the North Gambier defence focus on stopping the dangerous Angus Urquhart.
Under 16
South Gambier v Millicent
The best two sides all season will face off in a chance to claim the under 16 premiership for 2023.
South Gambier has looked well ahead all season, going undefeated into the grand final and having beaten its opposition by 59 points earlier in the finals campaign.
Millicent will be up and about after its preliminary final win and the Demons should not take their opponents lightly.
Charlie Damhuis has been excellent for Millicent this season and could pose a big threat to South Gambier’s hopes.
South Gambier looks a very balanced side and has firepower going forward, Jace Maxwell and Will Attiwill will play vital roles in the Demons’ forward line.
Under 14
South Gambier v North Gambier
The day will kick off with the Under 14s grand final as South Gambier takes on North Gambier.
North Gambier has gone on an excellent run after finishing third to make it to the big day and will need an excellent effort to get past South Gambier.
The Demons have had a great year winning the minor premiership and looking comfortable in finals.
Both sides have beaten each other at one point this season which means both will be confident heading into the match.
North Gambier’s Sam Baron and South Gambier’s Jobe Harten will be the key players for their sides in what will be an exciting contest between two promising young sides.
