ROUND four of Western Border football certainly provided food for thought.
The most anticipated clash saw West Gambier host North Gambier at Malseed Park and it was anyone’s guess who would come out victorious.
Tigers coach Justin McConnell has been in scintillating form in front of goals, but his run was brought to an end, with much of that to do with Jesse Pfitzner.
But the Roos also ensured more than one defender was in the area when the Tigers kicked the ball forward, with McConnell limited to two major scores.
Tom Holmes was also in exceptional form and the Roos ran away with the game late in the final stanza.
It certainly lived up to expectations, with West now the benchmark of the league after years of rebuilding is finally paying dividends.
Down at Island Park East Gambier was always going to face a tough test against Casterton Sandford.
The Cats are notoriously competitive at home and the first half looked to play out that way, with the home side up by 19 points.
However, after the long break the Bulldogs rebounded and began to pour on the pressure.
Kevin Thomson stood tall and kicked five second-half goals to put them back on track.
Nine major scores in the third term put the game to bed, with the Bulldogs emphatic victors.
The final game saw the cellar dwellers South Gambier and Millicent with a point to prove.
The Saints were win-less and the Demons were seeking their second victory of the season.
After last week’s round – where South managed just two major scores for the day – the scene was set for the reigning premiers’ first win of the year.
Mid-way through the second term Millicent certainly looked in the game, but the Demons began to find some form and pushed hard to lead by 16 points at the long break.
From there the running game of Bronson Saffin, the tough in-and-under work of Nick Tarca and the win-the-ball-at-all-costs attitude of Brent Howard tore the Saints apart.
Add to that five goals from Brayden Kain and South ran away with a solid 47-point win.
As a result the Intersport weekly Player of the Year honour goes to Roo Pfitzner.
He may have received only one vote from The Border Watch cadet journalist James Murphy, but his game certainly helped close McConnell down, which no others have been able to do this season.
West Gambier v North Gambier (James Murphy)
3. Tom Holmes (West Gambier): Impressive in the backline, working tirelessly off half-back when the game hung in the balance and moving the ball back through the midfield.
2. Hamish Telford (North Gambier): Another consistent performance, driving the ball down the wing and setting up attacking opportunities.
1. Jesse Pfitzner (West Gambier): Had the big job of keeping North star forward Justin McConnell quiet and kept him to just two goals with aid from fellow backmen.
Casterton Sandford v East Gambier
3. Kevin Thomson (East Gambier): Kicked five second-half goals to turn the tide when the game was on the line.
2. Matt Scanlon (East Gambier): Played a solid role down back for the Bulldogs, then popped up forward for a couple of timely major scores.
1. Matt Willson (East Gambier): Another solid game from the coach, with his outside running a major factor in the Bulldogs’ victory.
South Gambier v Millicent (Trevor Jackson)
3. Liam Denton (South Gambier): Played a solid role in defence for the Demons and repelled many Saints attacks with pace and quality disposals.
2. Nick Tarca (South Gambier): A tough game, showing plenty of strength through the packs to clear the ball.
1. Bronson Saffin (South Gambier): Showed plenty of pace to lead the Demons well and provide opportunities up forward.
