THE Western Border Football League has released its 2019 draw, with the big one – the grand final – going to Millicent.
Last time the club hosted a grand final at McLaughlin Park, there was some criticism about the venue.
However, the Saints certainly rallied and put on a great day of football and netball to quiet the knockers.
That was back in the glory days of North Gambier, with the Tigers claiming the honours over West Gambier.
The usual byes are present for 2019, along with the annual Anzac Day clash between North Gambier and South Gambier.
That game will take place at Vansittart Park in 2019 on the Thursday, with the remaining two matches on the Saturday.
After six rounds of competition a bye is scheduled for the SE Zone carnival on June 8, with another bye after Round 10 on July 13 for the State Country Championships.
The finals begin on August 31, with East Gambier to host the first semi-final.
South Gambier will host the second semi-final on September 7, while North Gambier is the home of the preliminary final on September 14.
The grand final takes place on September 21 at McLaughlin Park.
The much-awaited grand final re-match takes place in Round 2 between East and Millicent at McDonald Park.
At this early stage it appears the Saints could struggle to keep pace with the Bulldogs in that match, with a few notable names said to be missing from the 2018 premiership side.
Those include evergreen Steve Duldig and premiership coach Clint Gallio.
Lyndon Smith will take the reigns of the Saints as they look to return to premiership glory.
East remains solid with Matt Willson still in the top job.
Willson will look to claim his second premiership at the club, after a co-coaching role in 2017 saw a flag head to McDonald Park.
He will be keen to atone for the 2018 grand final loss to Millicent at McDonald Park.
In that game the Bulldogs let the Saints out to an early lead, before closing the margin in the final term, with time running out as the scoreboard tightened up.
It was the first premiership for Millicent since Richard Hill took the side to the top season honours back in 1984.
Few would have denied the Saints the glory, apart from the Bulldogs’ faithful.
That will certainly add spice to the Round 2 clash and set the tone of the season.
