West Gambier has saluted the career of injured playing coach Steve Wenman and the 2021 Bendigo Bank Western Border Football League season in style by trumping finals hopeful North Gambier away from home on Saturday.

With the Tigers having one eye on finals, they did not field either of their co-captains Nick McInerney or Brad Stafford, plus veteran Scott Flett suffered an injury scare, while the Roos were starving for success with nothing to lose.

Wenman, the two-time coach and premiership player has remained loyal to the Roos since he arrived in Mount Gambier – 13 years ago and despite being restricted to the sidelines, he bowed out as one of Malseed Park’s favourite sons.

He said it felt special to sing the song one more time at the end of the year as possibly a new era dawns.

“I was just happy to finish on a positive note and give the boys a reward for the season,” Wenman said.

“I definitely did not make the day about me – I told the boys it could be the last time this group would play together because some blokes will leave and come in.

“So we just concentrated on finishing the year on a good note and look forward to the future.”

Wenman was not the only sidelined star to call it a day after club veteran Rowan Fox also hung up the boots following a knee reconstruction.

West wrestled an early lead after the Tigers failed to convert on their opportunities in front of goal.

With a strong breeze promoting play towards the Eglington Terrace end of the ground, North generated many inside 50’s, but could only find the big sticks once from its six attempts.

The home side’s inaccuracy opened the door for the Roos and they barged through as Garret Ha showed off his silky skills from the pocket.

West held a narrow two-point lead at the first break, but stamped its authority kicking with the wind in the second.

The Roos’ engine room of Lawry Bradley-Brown and Tom Holmes moved the ball freely from the middle to load the forward line with plenty of ammunition to attack the scoreboard.

Bradley-Brown himself kicked a couple goals, as did Josh Schapel, but Jordan Williams presented best up forward with a hat-trick of majors.

By half time West enjoyed a 21-point lead, which was enough to counter the threat of a Tigers’ fightback with the wind in the third.

Following a brief push from the Tigers fronted by young gun Toby de Wit, the Roos dominated the last quarter to complete the 81-44 triumph.

Wenman said the key to the win was how his team capitalised on the chances thrown its way.

“The wind was blowing towards one end and we started to believe after quarter time and found some momentum,” he said.

“Our midfield started to get on top as Lawry and Tom Holmes got going as Todd Lewis got his hands on the ruck contests.

“They set us up to get some good looks up forward.”

The result left West just one victory away from the top four having recorded six wins to North’s seven which gives Wenman plenty of reasons to smile going forward.

“If North did not beat Millicent by three points a couple of weeks ago it all would have come down to percentage, so we certainly hung in there,” he said.

“But that is probably the story of the year, we were good enough and not far off the pace, but not consistent.”

Wenman’s departure after steering the club back onto the field means a new face will take the wheel in 2022.

The retiring Roo said talks are already in full swing and believes the future is exciting at Malseed Park.

“We have been speaking to a few and some guys were watching us on the weekend,” he said.

“But there is no rush, we want to find the right person suitable for the job.

“The plan is to get someone from outside of the club to freshen up the group which should be a welcome change, so it is a good time.”