THE heat will be on at McLaughlin Park tomorrow when Millicent clashes with Casterton Sandford to kick off the first leg of round three of Western Border football.
Both sides will be desperate to score the four points after they to achieve a victory in the opening two rounds.
The home team has experienced a disappointing start to its premiership defence, with a substantial 64-point defeat to North Gambier in round one, before going down to East Gambier in the grand final rematch.
Despite the Saints’ talent stocks being heavily depleted over the off-season, some fight was displayed last week at McDonald Park, which they will look to build on their home turf.
Dylan Tincknell matched the Bulldogs in the early stages and fresh Under 18 recruit Frazer Bradley was impressive, picking up his first best-on-ground honour in just his second game for Millicent.
Peter Duncan was the goal scoring target up forward with a bag of three, while Nick Ash also kicked a pair of majors.
Like last week, the home team may be without draw-card Tom Hutchesson, due to his South Australian National Football League commitments with the Adelaide Crows.
His likely absence will leave a large hole in the Saints midfield, but it also produces an opportunity for the likes of Callan Hobbs and Sam Willis to step up and perform.
New playing coach Lyndon Smith has led from the front, but he will hope the Saints can produce a four-quarter effort.
On both occasions in 2019, Millicent has slipped behind the pace at crucial times.
The Saints were outplayed in the first half against East and the second half versus North.
If the Saints are to march to their first win of the season, they can not afford to ease off the pace.
The Cats will also be hungry to taste success, after a heartbreaking loss to South Gambier and a disappointing defeat in their first home game to West Gambier.
Casterton Sandford has struggled to keep up with its opposition so far and will need to up its pace if it is to return home with the four points.
Tom Sullivan has been a standout in this facet, with his run down the wing producing multiple scoring opportunities for the Cats.
His leg speed will be a focal point to the Cats’ game plan.
Last week a large presence was felt all around the ground from big man Will MacDonald.
He was rotated from the ruck, into both the forward and back line and returned with two goals and a best-on-ground performance.
His marking skills will be a factor to the end result and a big effort is required to keep the star player quiet.
Daniel Richardson has also been a focus in front of goals, while youngster Gabe Parsons enjoyed a breakout game in round one and will look to rediscover that form.
Like Smith, Casterton Sandford coach Hamish Jarrad will push for a quality four-quarter display from his
side.
In both games so far the Cats have allowed their opponents to take the ascendancy in the later stages to fall on the wrong side of the result.
This Saturday represents a must-win game for both sides, who can not afford to begin the season with a 0-3 scoreline.
Millicent enjoys the home ground advantage, but will be met with a determined Cats outfit.
Expect a hot contest with plenty of feeling and the side which can hold its nerve the longest to edge ahead.
