ROUND 3 of Western Border football will draw a big crowd when it kicks off tonight with a game under lights between reigning premier East Gambier and South Gambier.
After a disappointing loss to Casterton Sandford last weekend, the Bulldogs will be biting at the bit to return to the winner’s list at the Kennel.
The Demons are one of the struggling sides in the Western Border competition, but coach Heath Mitchell will have high hopes of an improvement from 2017.
South has talent, but its lack of senior footballers is what lets it down against those further up the ladder.
Brayden Kain, Brett O’Neil and Brad Bryant are arguably some of the best footballers in the competition, but the lack of seniority outside this trio is what costs South games.
The Demons are young and after a solid preseason certainly have fitness on their side.
Youngsters Ty Opie, Mason Hein and Jake Tentye can run out a game.
However, every club has to go through rebuilding stages and after years of success, it is the Demons’ turn.
On the other hand, East is coming off its best year in decades – winning the 2017 premiership – and has only strengthened in the off-season.
Player movement has been aplenty approaching 2018, but the Bulldogs were caught off-guard when out-played by Casterton Sandford last week.
The Cats had all the answers in the opening three quarters and while East bounced back in the final term, it was too little, too late.
Interestingly, it was a similar scenario against North Gambier in the opening round, with East staging a classic come-from-behind win in that case.
Bulldogs’ coach Matt Willson will aim for significant improvement against South tonight in the early part of the game.
Accuracy in front of goal hindered the Bulldogs’ chances at a win over the Cats, after leaving their run until the final term.
Casterton Sandford did well to break down East’s midfield and apply pressure in the Bulldogs’ forward 50 and it will be crucial South follow suit of it is to remain in the game.
But, that will be a tough task.
East has a strong core group with the perfect mixture of classy outside players and tough in-and-under footballers.
Jayden Eldridge has been impressive in the opening two rounds, despite a spinal injury scare just months ago and he will bring that same momentum into tonight.
The tough defender has a big work rate and has an impact on every contest he can get to.
Another player to shine in the early rounds is Josh Ransom.
His speed and class complements East’s midfield, which has plenty of depth.
The Bulldogs certainly never lacked fire-power in the centre last weekend, but Willson will look for improvement in the forward line.
Mark Rumbelow and Kev Thomson are key forwards, but one goal apiece – particularly in a tough game with the Cats – is not enough.
Willson has seen glimpses of solid team performances, but he will hope to eliminate late comebacks starting this weekend.
It is imperative East returns to a four-quarter effort tonight and starts with a strong opening term.
If the Bulldogs give South too much breathing room, it could cause an upset.
However, after a disappointing loss last week, it is unlikely East will leave this game to chance and run out convincing victors.
The game kicks of at 7pm at McDonald Park.
