REIGNING premiers North Gambier systematically inflicted East Gambier’s first loss for the 2017 Western Border football season by 86 points in an impressive total team display at Vansittart Park in perfect playing conditions.
With the team sheet revealing pre game the Bulldogs would enter the contest without key players Matt and Fraser Scanlon, Mark Rumbelow and Matt Dempsey, it signalled the anticipated early finals preview shaped as a “fizzer”.
As an indication of the Tigers disciplined approach and focus to perform at a premium level, they clinically manufactured a commanding score line while stifling any spasmodic challenges by the lack lustre Bulldogs.
For the first 11 minutes of the opening term prior to mercurial Tiger Nick Moretti slotted the first major, play limped between respective 50-metre zones as rolling packs restricted any fluid ball movement.
On numerous occasions all 36 players congested two thirds of the arena until North upped its work rate, led by ball distributors Brock Egan, Fraser Marshall and Josh Jenner to advance to a 34-point lead at quarter time.
On resumption the visitors lifted their collective input to challenge the Tigers looming dominance of forward-50 entries with a trio of goals early in the term but surrendered further momentum when a frustrated Shem Balshaw infringed Tiger Marshall, who goaled with the gift of two undisciplined 50 metre penalties.
The home side added the next two majors via ball magnets Nick McInerney and Brad Close to enjoy a 37-point lead at the long break.
The third term saw both combatants produce promising forward thrusts but the advantage of having reliable “go to” forward beacons in Tom McLennan and Sam Stafford allowed the more cohesive Tigers to orchestrate another five goals to the Bulldogs solitary strike.
In the final stanza North methodically closed the game out as they collectively and skilfully shared the ball on the path to the goal face, posting a further six goals to the visitors pair to enjoy a bonus percentage-boosting victory.
In a trademark team display North maximised its well managed player rotations to eclipse an undermanned East with play maker Marshall, defender Mason Ashby and reliable forwards McLennan and Moretti providing standout contributions.
Bulldogs defenders Matt Ferguson and Pat Hatch provided regular rebound out of the danger zone while Jack Dawe, Brodie Clark and Matt McCallum set up promising movement into attack.
Senior colt Kurt Rodis showed promise and staked a claim to be utilised as the regular backup ruckman which would allow Shem Balshaw to play a more damaging role.
“We are mindful that East had some key players out, so we’ll keep the performance in perspective, but in saying that we played well,” Tigers coach Winis Imbi said.
“We executed things we wanted to do both defensively and offensively,” he said.
“There was a significant rise in individual and line efficiency too.
“We felt like we built on the game we had against South Gambier.
“This is important for us as we know there is still a lot of growth needed to evolve into what we believe we can be.
“The coaching staff are really pleased by the playing group as they are receptive, want to learn and want to be the best they can be.”
Imbi said the Tigers looked forward to this weekend’s clash against West Gambier.
“As we approach the halfway mark, little will change for us moving forward from what we have been trying to do since pre-season,” he said.
“We aim to train hard with purpose and embrace the challenges that will come our way, while working on the offensive and defensive side of our game.
“While giving back to the club, the senior playing group have made a commitment to get more involved with our junior and women footballers.”
East will be keen to jump back into the winners list next round against the improved Casterton/Sandford at McDonald Park.
