A Grade – South Gambier v Millicent

The near inevitable sight of South Gambier and Millicent squaring off for a spot in the big one in the qualifying semi-final will become a reality at McDonald Park this Saturday.

Some believed the Demons and Saints would play in the second semi-final of the 2022 Bendigo Bank Western Border Football League even before round 1 arrived and this materialised quickly throughout the year as they established themselves as the class sides of the competition.

Now the doorway to the decider has arrived and it is time to get serious.

Both teams are awfully familiar with each other having faced off four times this year and splitting the games evenly.

The most recent occasion was just one fortnight ago when the Saints made a statement by marching over the Demons by 45 points.

Although the minor premiership was out or reach, Millicent was determined to lay a marker and did so in the second term by kicking six goals to one.

For Saints’ coach Clint Gallio it was an important moment to build some confidence against their arch-rival ahead of finals, but knows it will not count for much when game day arrives.

“We really back ourselves when we have the footy in hand and knew if we could do that we give ourselves a chance to control the game,” he said.

“It was a big bonus to build some really good patches and control the footy to get the ball forward.

“South is a quality side and always throw everything at us, so the win was pleasing and it does give us some momentum heading into finals, but that is only one phase of the season done.

“Now it is actually here we have got to make sure we capitalise on the opportunity we have given ourselves.”

Since South won the round 11 top of the table battle, Millicent has flown into finals with big wins over Casterton Sandford, North Gambier and East Gambier leading up to the last round.

During that time big guns Clint Gallio and Tom Hutchesson returned to the fold, while the connection between the quick midfield and the forward line spearheaded by the dominant Dylan Bromley is as strong as ever, with the latter kicking seven in his last clash against the Demons.

But this was also achieved with key players Tom Renzi and Finn Grimes on the sidelines and Gallio hopes they will be good to go after a steady build up to the big game.

South carries the minor premiership into the semi-final, just like it did 12 months ago when a last-quarter blitz sent the side straight to the decider.

The Demons had been blazing into the sunset since knocking over the Saints by 57 points in round 11, but the last round defeat took some wind out of their sails.

South coach Brayden Kain put that down to the Saints’ skill and some missing names with Hamish Stevens, Josh Woodall, Dale Handreck and Brett O’Neil just some out.

If these names do return, the Demons will be able to unlock their signature, attacking style which proved so damaging when they last played at McLaughlin Park where Kain kicked six big ones.

Kain is confident a full-strength side will return and believes the result could be decided by who snatches the early momentum.

“We have known for a while we were going to finish in the top two so have been looking forward to this for a while,” he said.

“Over the last six weeks we have seen some players get injured or managed, but I am full of confidence we will be at full strength going in which is a position we need to be in.

“Millicent’s execution and work rate really stood out and highlighted some accountability on our behalf, but we are still confident.

“We have not had too many close games this year, so if you can get on top early, you can get the job done in the second half.

“It will be an incredible day.”

B Grade – South Gambier v Millicent

The same sides will face off in the Reserves arena where the question is can the Demons be conquered?

South has not skipped a beat all year winning all 16 games and collecting the unreal percentage of 1013.09%.

At the height of the dominance has been Kym Eagleson booting 103 goals and the Saints defenders will be scratching their heads about how to stop him.

With Millicent not getting close in any of the previous clashes, a miracle is required to stop the Demons from cruising into the decider.

Under 18 – South Gambier v North Gambier

North Gambier hopes another undefeated South Gambier side may crack under the pressure of finals this weekend.

Despite the Tigers finishing second, the Demons have been a cut above with Liam Turley, Nelson Forbes and Harry Fisher in top form.

Zach Clark and Reece McLaughlin have been consistent forces for the Tigers, but will need to be at their best to do something which has not been done before this year.

Under 16 – South Gambier v North Gambier

The unconquered Demons are the favoured side to book a ticket to ride into the big dance in the Under 16’s qualifier with North Gambier.

Jace Maxwell and Jed Sims have been the consistent forces for South and will be determined to keep building their momentum.

The Tigers will be out to prove they have come a long way since losing 93-6 in their first head-to-head of 2022.

Under 14 – South Gambier v East Gambier

The Under 14’s squad is the only junior South side not to wrap up the minor premiership with an undefeated campaign, but this will not stop them from being the overwhelming favourite to seal the big prize.

The Demons may have had some hiccups against Millicent and West Gambier, but they remain a force with Harrison Hicks and William Attiwill leading the charge.

Although they are the underdogs, the red and black can spring a surprise and they will be backing Jaiden Picken to have another big day in front of the big sticks after kicking 22 more goals than any other Under 14’s player in 2022.