Millicent delivered a masterclass performance in the opening round of the WBFL 2023 season against East Gambier on Saturday.
The Saints travelled to take on East at the Kennel and clearly had no problems playing away.
With an unusual 6pm time slot Millicent thrived, putting the Doggies to the sword early.
Millicent started the match in dominant fashion, scoring five goals and two behinds in the first quarter, with East Gambier only managing two goals and three behinds in response, struggling to defend against the reigning premiers.
The domination continued in the second quarter as Millicent flew past East, with the Doggies remaining scoreless for the quarter.
By half-time Millicent was well ahead with East struggling to get in the contest.
The third quarter was a tighter affair with Millicent adding 11 to the lead from half-time.
While East had booted some goals in the quarter it was Millicent’s poor goal kicking that lessened the damage against East, kicking seven behinds to three goals for the quarter.
With the match all but decided at three quarter time, East Gambier tried to protect the percentage.
The Doggies fought valiantly in the final quarter, scoring five goals straight to Millicent’s six goals two.
The final margin was 73 points with Millicent beginning its flag defence on the right foot.
Millicent’s Kade Bradley, Zac McGuinness, Kade Varcoe, Hamish McRae, Jacob Carger and Ty Lang were all named as the best players of the match.
Carger was exceptional, scoring six goals for Millicent, along with Jack Verbena who booted five.
Carger was dominant in the forward line and used his speed to outmanoeuvre East Gambier’s defenders.
For East Gambier, Shaun Lock, Carl Slape, Jack Lawrence, Riley Janeway, Noah Gollan and Austin Jones were recognised as the highlights in a poor match.
Despite the loss, these players showed impressive determination and skill, with Lock and Slape both scoring three goals for their team.
It was a disappointing start to the season for East Gambier, but Millicent will be pleased with their strong start and will look to carry their momentum forward.
