ALL eyes will be on McLaughlin Park this Saturday when Millicent hosts Casterton Sandford in the top-of-the-table clash for Round 13 of the Western Border football season.
The Saints have lost just one game this year, to the Cats back in Round 4, while up until last week its Victorian opponent was undefeated.
A draw between the two teams was the talking point of Round 8, as the Cats showed they were not invincible at their beloved Island Park.
This was proven once again on the weekend, when East Gambier ran away with an upset victory over the Cats on their home deck.
Millicent on the other hand has defeated each of the clubs in this rotation, including the Bulldogs – which it accounted for by 24 points – and now Casterton Sandford may be on the chopping block.
Though the Cats remain at the top of the premiership standings, it is only by percentage – a meagre 1pc at that – so this round’s clash will ultimately decide the top two in the competition.
That will be fresh on the minds of both teams when they take to the ground on Saturday and spectators are sure to be treated to another thrilling contest between two heavyweights of the league.
Last time the sides met, James Weir was a dominant force in the Saints’ backline and he will be looked to for another standout performance.
His marking ability and work under pressure has stepped up a notch this season and he will be joined by the likes of Blake Kenny, Dylan Tincknell and Steve Duldig, who are all in-form defenders.
This combination will provide headaches for Cats’ forwards, but they have plenty of players able to break through the defensive line.
Both Callum Currie and Josh Stephenson have been in blinding form up front and will be expected to have another big impact on the scoreboard if the Cats are to take the win.
The young Tynan Shannon has also proved capable in front of goals, while Tom Sullivan, Daniel Richardson and Michael Cummings have made their mark in recent rounds.
For Millicent, Matt Duldig will hope to claim another bag, as the full forward had a quiet round last week with just the one major, kicked in the opening minutes of the game against North Gambier.
However, the Saints also possess immense depth when it comes to scoring goals and that has been a trademark for them this year.
Dylan Bromley was untouchable against the Tigers last week where he bagged an impressive five goals – a feat he will hope to replicate this round.
Bromley was joined by Hamish Nitschke with three, with the young gun sure to be one to watch again this week, as he always puts on a show when given a chance in front of the big sticks.
Sam Willis is also dangerous and his run through the midfield last week was first class.
However, there is unlikely to be a clear route through the centre this week and the game will be another arm wrestle in the middle of the ground.
Both teams boast impressive midfields and whichever side can prove its dominance in this area will likely take the win.
For the Cats, Will Macdonald will stand tall in the ruck and his talents in the midfield will also be valuable for the guests.
The previous meeting saw Millicent’s Jonah Grimes hold his own in the ruck, but the youngster will need to step up to another level to ensure he can provide the Saints with first use of the ball.
Tom Hutchesson comes off the back of a standout game against the Tigers and will provide plenty of run for the Saints, while the likes of coach Clint Gallio, Hamish Gordon and Lyndon Smith will also bolster the ranks.
Sullivan has been in good form for the Cats and his speed and agility will be something Millicent will need to keep under wrap.
Joined by the likes of coach Hamish Jarrad, Sullivan, Angus Cleary and Trent Nesbitt off half back, the Cats have the tools required to re-cement their position at the top.
However, the Saints will not bow down easy and Saturday’s match is sure to be a spectacle regardless of the result.
