EAST Gambier will head across to Malseed Park to tackle West Gambier in a game where there is more than just pride on the line.
Each year – on the first West home game of the season between the two sides – they battle for the prestigious Call-to-Arms Cup in memory of Phil Muhovics who was a serving member of both clubs throughout his football career.
Muhovics played and coached at senior level at East Gambier and also donned the Roos colours in senior football, as well as coaching juniors, before he lost his battle with cancer in 2010.
Tomorrow’s game is not only about football, but is used as a fundraising and awareness initiative that highlights men’s health and in particular cancer.
The game holds a special place in both clubs hearts and while there is incentive for a solid team performance, a selected player will also be awarded for their contribution to the game with a best on ground medallion, known as the Phil Muhovics Memorial Medal, in conclusion of play.
West took the honours of the prestigious cup in 2016, but the Bulldogs – who have taken home the silverware on just one occasion since its inception in 2011 – will be the favourites come the first bounce tomorrow afternoon.
East has made a huge turnaround in the Western Border Football League competition in 2017 and while the Roos hoped to do the same, they have found themselves at the bottom of the standings when heading into Round 11.
East has dropped just a solitary game since the season opener and pegged back at a gallant Casterton Sandford to finish up with a draw across the border just two weeks ago.
These two results see the Bulldogs biting at the top of the ladder, closely followed by reigning premiers North Gambier.
On the other hand, the Roos have struggled to find consistency throughout their season with senior experience lacking in their side.
They have taken the points on one occasion in 2017 – to the Cats – and have pushed the top teams in sections of games, but struggle to put four quarters of football together.
The Bulldogs come off a big 92-point win over South Gambier last weekend and will hope to repeat that same dominance tomorrow, while West went down significantly to Casterton Sandford.
East’s Matt Dempsey was able to sneak forward and boot a season-high five goals to put the game beyond doubt.
Jesse Fry was also influential around the ground and will look to repeat his stand-out performance from last round.
With prime movers such as co-coach Matt Willson in the midfield, along with a strong back six, the Bulldogs will be biting at the bit to showcase their talent tomorrow.
East’s team orientated football showed last Saturday with 10 individual goal scorers throughout the game and that standard of football will be expected again from co-coaches Willson and Matt Scanlon.
While West sit at the bottom of the current standings it should not be underestimated as it has plenty of hearty players willing to get the hard ball.
Last year’s Phil Muhovics Memorial Medal recipient Lawry Bradley-Brown is a prime example with his speed and skill, along with his grit and determination making him a stand-out for the otherwise struggling Roos.
Coach Steven Wenman is also a key player in West’s line-up whether he take a shutdown role in the backline or a target up forward.
Mitch Kipping has brought his ‘A game’ this season, making life difficult for his opponents, while Todd Lewis has also been a dominant force in the ruck.
The Zeitz brothers – Sam and Tom – are also regular stand outs in their respective positions on the field, as is returning player Joe Ferguson-Lane.
The Roos have the determination to bounce back into the competition, but the current ladder leaders will be difficult to contain tomorrow, particularly with the prestigious cup on the line.
West will have donation tins both at the entrance and around the ground tomorrow with all proceeds going to Mount Gambier Cancer Support Group.
