WEST Gambier went into its wet-weather clash with South Gambier confident in its ability on Saturday.
After a narrow loss to Casterton Sandford in the opening round, the Roos have shown they could be up to the task of making the top four this season.
And the weekend’s match saw them move one step closer to this goal, as they joined the winner’s list on with a comfortable 40-point victory over the Demons.
As a result the Roos climbed up to third place on the ladder, ahead of East Gambier, with Millicent and Casterton Sandford leading the race.
The Roos set the win up early in the game, skipping out to a 14-point lead after a windy opening term at Blue Lake Sports Park.
Kicking with the aid of a strong breeze, that blew the ball more across the ground, West banged on two major scores, while holding the Demons to just a solitary behind.
While that did not seem like a big lead in the conditions, the Demons were unable to close the margin in the second, with both sides adding two majors.
The second half was set to favour the Roos and they continued to dominate the ball at ground level, adding a further three majors to take a 25-point lead to the final break.
From there the Demons struggled to stay in the contest, with the Roos sensing a taste of victory and never letting up.
Laurie Bradley-Brown led the way, named best for West, while Todd Lewis had another solid game in the ruck.
On a tough day in front of the big sticks, Dale Robbins topped the list with three majors, among seven goal kickers for the Roos.
Tom Holmes managed two, with the remaining shared about as singles.
For the Demons, Brad Bryant popped up with two goals, while Brent Howard and Harry Capewell added the remaining two.
Bryant and Taylor Saffin were named the two best for South.
For Roos coach Brad Wilson it was a pleasing result, after a tough pre-season and close loss last week.
“It was good to get one on the board, especially after last week – we were all pretty disappointed we could not get that win,” he said.
“They were tough conditions, but we did enough to get the win.”
Wilson said he prepared for the game as if it was going to be wet, but he said the Blue Lake Sports Park surface was in good condition, with the wind the major factor in the game.
He said after the opening term it was still hard to judge the actual effect of the breeze.
“The wind made it tricky at both ends,” he said.
“We were happy with our start and our intensity was okay, but the lead was hard to judge whether that was a good effort or not until the second quarter.
“We went into the second quarter with the focus to keep dipping in and keep it going our way.
“The way rain squalls were coming in, the game could have turned into a bath in five minutes.
“While it was dry we were going as hard as we could.”
With Tyson Ploenges still out injured, it proved an issue up forward for the Roos, but Wilson covered that loss somewhat with Robbins.
“Dale played up forward and it was probably the best game he has had for our club,” he said.
“He got involved and active early.”
At the other end of the ground the Roos had an answer for the dangerous Brayden Kain, who bagged five goals in the Demons’ opening-round loss to Millicent.
“Jesse Pfitzner played on Brayden Kain and he did not kick a goal,” Wilson said.
“A lot of people do not notice that kind of effort in the backline.
“Brayden is the kind of guy who if he gets an early goal on you he can go on from there, but Jesse took that role on and did a great job.”
Overall Wilson said he was pleased with the way his side was coming together at this early stage of the season.
“I am happy with how we are going,” he said.
“We have all the young fellows coming through and are putting the time into them, so the future is looking good.
“Everything I have asked of the young side they have responded and gone after it.
“I cannot ask for much more.”
