SOUTH Gambier would consider itself a real chance to chalk up its first win of the 2018 Western Border football season tomorrow when it travels to Vansittart Park to face North Gambier.
The Round 8 clash is certainly up for grabs, with the Demons down in bottom place on the ladder, while the Tigers are just two points clear in fifth.
It is a far cry from the North of recent years, but the same could be said of South.
The two sides were the powerhouse clubs in the competition, but South began a rebuilding stage last season, while North lost several players from its 2017 grand final side.
How times have changed.
The only victory for the Tigers this season was against the Demons back in Round 4, where they ran out 31-point winners.
While it was a big win, the Demons have seen nothing in the way of recruits this season and certainly held up their end of the bargain.
The young side began the season well against Millicent, but since then have struggled.
They have however managed to kick decent scores at times to show there is some light at the end of the tunnel.
The strength of Brett O’Neill and Brad Bryant still hold up the mid-field, while Brayden Kain has shown he is a worthy target at the attacking end of the ground.
He has managed plenty of goals this season in a side that has not often looked like winning.
Young players such as Kaleb Bowd have earned their stripes, while the experience of Dion Stratford and Brent Howard have helped steady the ship.
However, it is clear the Demons lack personnel, which makes for a tough and frustrating season out at Blue Lake Sports Park.
For the Tigers the struggle has been real, with few pundits understanding the turnaround in form.
On paper the side looks strong, with the likes of Brock Egan, Nick McInerney, Fraser Marshall and Nick Blachut providing plenty of run through the mid-field.
Down back Tim McInerney rallies the troops, while up forward the likes of Brad and Sam Stafford complement Tom McLennan’s key position.
Sure they have lost a few grand final players, but there would surely be some disappointment with their results this year.
This round provides a chance for the young brigade at South to stand tall and make a claim for the premiership points, but in all likelihood, the Tigers should have the ability to get across the line.
