The depth of South Gambier came to the fore in round 13 of the 2021 Bendigo Bank Western Border Football League season on Saturday.
Despite the Demons being forced to make five changes including the departures of big names Brett O’Neil, Scott Enderl and Charlie Fisher, North Gambier could not topple the ladder leader at Blue Lake Sports Park.
Apart from a tight opening term, the yellow and black minus coach Justin McConnell were forced to take a backseat as some of South’s less familiar faces showed they have what it takes to mix it with the best.
The determined Demons overturned a five-point deficit into a 22-point lead in the space of two quarters.
The Tigers had a sniff at the final break, but South’s structure proved successful again as the hosts only allowed two points through the defences during the final quarter to seal the 65-36 victory.
Demons’ coach Brayden Kain said the side’s 12th win of the season was one of the most impressive after many youngsters put their hands up.
“We had a couple of young guys play their first games and a couple of guys come up from the reserves due to a few injuries over the last week, so it was good to see some fresh faces coming in and still get the job done,” he said.
“Scott has a niggly hamstrings, Chris (Williams) has a sore foot and Brett’s ankle has been playing up just because we had a hard game against East after four long weeks without playing.
“Having a few wins on the board and depth in the reserves, we were able to cover a few resting players looking forward to a big couple of weeks.
“One thing we focused on during the summer was to build up as much depth as possible across a core 40-player group that plays the same structure.
“To have guys banging down the door from the undefeated Under 18’s and reserves sides is very pleasing.”
Kian conceded the injured stars should be ready to play for this Saturday’s clash, but North offered its toughest challenge of the year after youngster Toby de Wit found strong support from experienced heads Dylan Munn, Jake Schutz, Scott Flett and double goal-scorer Brett Shepherdson.
“We knew North is a well-structured side and would keep coming at us all day after a very impressive win over Millicent,” he said.
“They came out firing and never went away making us earn everything.
“I felt like we were in control for most of the game, but they took their opportunities when they needed to.”
One of the little Demons stealing the show was Mitch Sims.
On A Grade debut, Sims showed no fear and opened South’s account with a classy set shot from the pocket.
He went on to score three goals, but one passage of play outside the 50-metre arch will live long in the memory.
The lightly built player won a loose ball on the wing and danced his way through a near-invisible gap between top Tigers Munn and Sam Egan before lacing out Kym Eagleson.
His brother Noah also impressed with a pair of majors.
“He is an incredible talent and has played consistent football over a number of years even at state level,” Kain said of Mitch.
“He grabbed the opportunity with both hands and looked like he had played 50 or 60 games already.
“I am really looking forward to seeing what football has in store for him.”
The strong hands of Todd Reid also had a major say on proceedings around the half-forward line, while other youngsters Brock Keding, Ethan Chuck and Oscar Adams also rose to the occasion.
Although South’s grip on the minor premiership is tighter than ever, Kain said two hard-fought wins following the COVID break are proof the gap starting to close.
“It does not feel like we have dropped away at all, but other teams are sort of starting to work us out,” he said.
“They are all preparing to play is and it has been a bit of a challenge not becoming complacent.
“But we are starting to hit our straps and find that motivation to fire up again.”
