IN a split round of football, South Gambier and North Gambier faced off at Blue Lake Sports Park in the annual Anzac Day clash.
Generally the two sides put up a decent contest and Wednesday was no exception.
Both were chasing their first win of the season and the Tigers were looking to climb off the bottom rung of the ladder.
As a result there was no shortage of desire to win the tough ball in an entertaining contest.
For the Tigers the victory was sweet and Brock Egan celebrated even further with best on ground honours.
His effort certainly deserved the accolades, but he could easily have been joined by both Nick Blachut and Fraser Marshall, who both enjoyed impressive performances.
All eyes were on Malseed Park on Saturday to see if West Gambier could pull off the upset of the round and defeat the reigning premiers.
For Roos supporters it was the perfect day of football, with East Gambier simply not in the game.
Standouts were coach Brad Wilson and the returning Tom Holmes.
Both played a major role in the victory, but were joined by a long list of Roos determined to claim the win.
When the final siren sounded it was a sweet victory after a clinical display against one of the benchmarks of the competition.
The top of the table clash between Millicent and Casterton Sandford suggested a new contender for the premiership flag in 2018, with the Cats so far taking all before them.
The likes of Callum Currie and Will Macdonald have really bolstered the ranks this season, adding to a side that has threatened to shake up the top of the ladder for the last couple of seasons.
This could indeed be the year of the Cat, if all players can remain healthy.
For Round 4 the Sportspower Player of the Year weekly honour goes to Egan for his effort on the big stage that is Anzac Day.
South Gambier v North Gambier
3. Brock Egan (North Gambier): Controlled the mid-field well for the Tigers, claiming the Tony Casadio Medal for best on ground in the Anzac Day clash.
2. Nick Blachut (North Gambier): Showed plenty of dash through the centre to help the Tigers to their first win of the season.
1. Fraser Marshall (North Gambier): Another prime mover for the Tigers in their breakthrough victory.
West Gambier v East Gambier
3. Tom Holmes (West Gambier): Cleared the ball well and pushed forward to also register a major score in quality display of football.
2. Brad Wilson (West Gambier): Led his team by example, popping up around the ground and finishing with three goals.
1. Steve Wenman (West Gambier): A big defensive effort, with a burst early in the final term that helped keep the Bulldogs at bay.
Millicent v Casterton Sandford
3. Tom Sullivan (Casterton Sandford): Big presence around the ground and in a contest. Did not shy from a hard ball and then used his speed to escape the pack and deliver it downfield.
2. Will Macdonald (Casterton Sandford): Not only dominant in the ruck, but also around the ground, while also spending some time in full forward where he matched up well against Steve Duldig.
1. Steve Duldig (Millicent): Once again served well as the Saints’ last line of defence, holding his own against the Cats.
The points table after four rounds shows an interesting scenario already, reflecting the up-and-down nature of the competition.
Only the Cats remain undefeated, with Callum Currie joint leader, despite not polling votes from The Border Watch sports cadet James Murphy on the weekend.
The Roos were well served by Tom Holmes on Saturday, which saw him join Currie at the pointy end.
These results suggest another interesting season in the Player of the Year standings.
Standings after Round 4
5 Callum Currie (Cast/Sand)
5 Tom Holmes (West)
4 Dylan Ayton (Cast/Sand)
4 Jesse Fry (East)
3 Tom Hutchesson (Millicent)
3 Giancarlo Cooper (East)
3 Lawry Bradley-Brown (West)
3 Hamish Gordon (Millicent)
3 Trent Nesbitt (Cast/Sand)
3 Sam Willis (Millicent)
3 Steve Duldig (Millicent)
3 Brock Egan (North)
3 Tom Sullivan (Cast/Sand)
