THE 2018 Western Border clash between East Gambier and North Gambier at McDonald Park is expected to be close, but for all the wrong reasons.
The Bulldogs clinched the premiership last season, but have since tasted little success and will face a tough test in the Round 11 clash.
East has claimed just four wins for the season from 10 games and sits in fourth place, above South Gambier and the Tigers.
On the other hand, North – who played in its seventh consecutive senior grand final last season – has taken a turn for the worst and currently occupies the bottom rung of the ladder.
No club can maintain the top-of-the-table forever, but the distressing factor is, on paper the Tigers should be in contention for a finals position.
Yes, North did lose several players from its grand final side before 2018, but not enough to justify its current position.
The same could be said for the Bulldogs.
East had a similar line-up to its 2017 premiership team, with their main inclusion being Alex Pfeiffer this season.
Pfeiffer has no doubt brought fire and class to the Bulldogs’ side.
His ability to play at both ends of the ground has been pivotal when East has lacked drive at either end.
After taking the premiership points in both outings against North this season, it is hard to see the Bulldogs’ coach Matt Willson letting this game slip.
In Round 1 the Tigers really dug their claws into the contest and looked as though they would again fight for a finals position.
They out-played East in every aspect of the game, until the final quarter.
The Bulldogs found their form late in the match and it was enough to see them kick clear and win by 20 points.
While 26 points was the final margin in their second encounter in Round 6, East did not leave this one to chance and held the lead from the first break until the final siren.
The Bulldogs will not settle for a loss this weekend, but its injury woes suggest the game could be closer than expected.
If North can bring its best to the ground tomorrow, it could certainly cause an upset.
It boasts a strong back line, with Tim McInerney, Jake Schutz and Mayson Ashby all capable of winning a one-on-one contest.
Its forward line is just as impressive, particularly with the return of Matthew McInerney.
His presence has generated confidence for the group, which has since pushed both Casterton Sandford and West Gambier.
McInerney will be supported by several competitive forwards such as Will Lewis, Sam Stafford, Jordan Hollitt, Nick Blachut and Tom McLennan.
However, not to be outdone, East too boasts a quality line-up.
Kevin Thomson, Giancarlo Cooper and Mark Rumbelow have booted their fair share of goals this season, while Jayden Eldridge has had influence all over the ground.
Pfeiffer, Fraser Scanlon, Matt Ferguson and Nick Lock prove a tough defensive wall to pass.
With similar match ups at either end, this game will be run and won in the midfield and it is difficult to see who has the edge.
Fraser Marshall, Glen Soper, Brock Egan and Hamish Telford are clinical players.
However, they will be up against the likes of Josh Ransom, Tully Balshaw, Jesse Fry and Jack Dawe.
A question mark hangs over the head of Willson who suffered an injury in the Bulldogs’ recent clash with Millicent.
His leadership and class around the contest will be missed if he does not don East’s playing strip tomorrow.
This match is expected to come right down to the wire.
North has shown improvement in recent weeks and if it can pull a full four quarters together, the Bulldogs could be in trouble.
However, it is unlikely the reigning premiers will leave this game up to chance and should claim the points on their home deck.
