Picture: JAMES MURPHY
YOUNG players have helped fill the ranks of the Western Border Football League senior sides for many years.
Several teams have given their up-and-coming stars a chance to take to the field with the A Grade footballers and those young players have repaid their coaches faith with solid efforts.
More recently South Gambier has employed many youngsters to fill their ranks after an exodus of senior players from the club.
The Demons have struggled in the last couple of years, but the younger players have always stood tall when called upon.
Talking to South coach Brett Exelby after last week’s win, he noted there were eight Under 18 players on the Demons’ A Grade list in the win over Millicent.
Exelby’s and outgoing coach Heath Mitchell’s faith in the young brigade has paid dividends, producing some solid footballers such as Kaleb Bowd, Henri Capewell, Kyle Jones and Todd Reid.
This week saw young Duncan Reid make his debut for the Demons.
It was a tough ask too, with nowhere to hide for the young player, as he took on the ruck duties at times, giving South big man Scott Fleming a break from the grind.
He used his height well and managed first touch regularly, while also having an impact around the ground.
His efforts earned plenty of praise from Exelby and this week’s K&S Fuels Player of the Week from us here at The Border Watch.
