THIS week’s match of the round in Western Border football will see Millicent make the trip to Island Park to face the undefeated Casterton Sandford.
Both teams have shown impressive form so far this season, with Millicent’s only loss coming at the hands of the Cats at McLaughlin Park back in Round 4.
The Saints pride themselves on winning on their home deck, so in this Round 8 clash they will be out to return the favour across the border.
But this will be no easy task, as the Cats have demonstrated immense talent and depth in the last seven rounds, with few passengers in the squad.
Despite their undefeated status, not all of their wins have come easily, with its games against West Gambier in particular showing the Cats are not invincible.
With plenty of depth in the Millicent squad, the Saints will go into the clash confident in their own ability and if they play at their best they could well knock the ladder leaders off their pedestal.
Matt Duldig has settled into the side well and has kicked an impressive 15 goals in the last three games alone.
He is a massive presence up forward and his marking ability provides a reliable target alongside Dylan Bromley for the many runners in the Millicent roster.
The likes of Tom Hutchesson, Hamish Gordon, William Flemming and Sam Willis – just to name a few – provide plenty of speed and skill through the midfield and if given the chance will deliver the ball to the trusty forwards, or snap through a goal of their own.
Add to the mix playing coach Clint Gallio, who made his 2018 debut last round against North and this only adds further expertise through the middle of the ground.
Gallio’s ability to go in for the hard ball and deliver it to a teammate saw him the vital link in a number of plays last week and this will be a valuable asset going into the clash with the Cats.
However, the Cats also have plenty of on-ballers capable of making a dash through heavy traffic, with Tom Sullivan proving he has plenty of pace more than once this year.
Playing coach Hamish Jarrad is also a solid play-maker, as are the likes of Angus Cleary and Josh Stephenson, while Callum Currie and Will Macdonald are capable of taking a big mark when needed.
Currie had a quiet game last week, only scoring one goal for the match – his lowest figure for the season – and the Cats will hope to have him back at his best this week.
Michael Cummings has found impressive form in recent weeks and whether he be placed in defence or in the midfield, he causes a headache for the opposition.
Ben Guthrie has also been in fine form this season and his reliable hands will provide a hurdle for the Saints in the backline.
Both Casterton Sandford and Millicent have plenty of young talent rising through their ranks, with Guthrie a prime example for the Cats.
Tynan Shannon has also been in fine form for the side, as has Billy Galpin and Todd Clode.
For the Saints, Willis has made a big impact this season, Hamish Nitschke has lifted his game to another level and youngster Harry Tunkin showed positive signs in last week’s clash with the Tigers.
With the last meeting between the sides resulting in a 38-point win for the Cats, the Saints have only improved since then.
The week after saw Millicent knock off reigning premiers East Gambier by 42 points, while comfortable wins over South and North followed, as it cemented its second place on the ladder.
The Cats have also had a strong run since Round 4, claiming a dominant victory over the Demons before a hard-fought triumph over the Roos in Round 6.
Last week the side hosted reigning premiers in a game which resulted in a 75-point massacre of the Bulldogs.
On paper it should be a relatively even contest and spectators can expect an epic battle between first and second on the ladder.
The match will be won through the midfield and whichever team can win that arm wrestle will take control of the game.
As it stands, Casterton Sandford should claim the honours in front of its home crowd, but the determined Millicent outfit should not be ruled out completely.
