IT will be the ultimate test of endurance when East Gambier suits up against reigning Western Border football A Grade premiers in the second semi-final at Malseed Park today.
The Bulldogs were biting at the beginning of 2017, but their intensity has dwindled towards the business end of the season.
On the other hand, North started the year slow with a number of players injured early and has bounced back into its 2016 premiership form.
East defeated the Tigers in Round 2 of the season, but North had the upper-hand in the two later contests.
Both sides will leave it all out on the park tomorrow as neither team would want to face league dark-horse Casterton Sandford in the cut-throat preliminary final.
The Tigers are certainly favourites after East’s disappointing loss to wooden-spooners West Gambier.
If the Bulldogs can pull together and find their form that saw them hold onto the premiership favourite status earlier in the year then it could take the direct path into the grand final.
However, it is likely North will do everything in its power to stop that from occuring.
The Tigers have class all over the ground, which begins in the midfield.
They have missed the services of key ruckman Brett Kennedy in recent weeks, but his return to the ground tomorrow will give his onballers first use.
He will be up against a tough opponent in Mark Kieselbach who will hope to put a halt to North’s dominance out of the midfield.
East co-coach Matt Willson made the best out of a bad situation in the final minor round of the year, putting in a solid personal performance and he will again look to lead his side on the weekend.
He will be assisted by tough in-and-under players such as captain Shem Balshaw, Jesse Fry, Jack Dawe and Tully Balshaw.
However, North boast a long line of talented footballers who can also have a big impact through the middle of the ground.
Nick McInerney is a consistent player who is not shy to contest the hard ball.
Add to the midfield the likes of Brad Stafford, Brock Egan, Brad Close, as well as Nick Blachut and it is hard to mount a case for East.
If the Bulldogs can win the ball out of the middle they will hope to kick into the hands of Mark Rumbelow who had a big impact on the contest early in the year.
The tall forward’s ability to pull in contested marks is second-to-none.
However, in order for his presence to count, it is crucial he finishes off in front of goal.
Co-coach Matt Scanlon has been a solid contributor in the Bulldogs’ forward line since his return from injury.
Kev Thomson is another key to success in East’s 50 and his ability to kick through the big sticks will be needed if the Bulldogs are to get over the line.
However, the forward line will find set shots hard to come by with North’s tough defence.
Tim McInerney, Jake Schutz and Mayson Ashby are just three of the quality players lining up in North’s back six.
Their ability to contest the ball and stick tight to their opponent, along with their run off the backline will see plenty of forward thrusts for the black and yellow.
North’s forward line is one of the best in the league with both and mixture of youth and experience.
Youngsters Declan Carmody and Close have been known to make an impact on the scoreboard and their accuracy in front of goal will again be looked upon tomorrow.
They both pull in tough contested marks and can finish off in front of goal despite scoreboard pressure.
The young duo are well supported by key forward Tom McLennan and Sam Stafford who have added their fair share of majors.
It all comes down to whether East brings its best.
If it does, the clash will certainly come down to the wire.
However, if the Bulldogs allow the Tigers to dominate early they could be in for a tough game of catch-up football.
North has had its core group together for a number of years now and they are all familiar with the pressure finals bring, which will see them get over the line and advance through to the 2017 grand final.
