TOMORROW’S round of Western Border football pits the top three teams against the bottom three, which in theory provides an easy week for tipsters.
But that is not to say an upset is out of the picture, with every team in the competition showing at least a glimpse of greatness at some stage this season.
The clash between West Gambier and Casterton Sandford at Malseed Park looms as the match of the round and could be a decent contest, should the Cats play out four quarters of football.
Both teams will be relieved with the decision to ignore the new interleague rules for this year, which threatened to see players suspended for one match should their reason of unavailability not convince Western Border board members.
Under threat were West stars Lawry Bradley-Brown and Steven Wenman, while Cats’ powerhouse Will Macdonald was also one of five players on the chopping block.
However, when the new rule was overturned for 2019 at a delegates meeting on Tuesday night, both clubs would have breathed a sigh of relief.
The Cats and the Roos have had some good battles over the last couple of seasons, with both clubs tasting their share of success.
However, West has asserted itself as a serious finals contender in 2019, while Casterton Sandford remains far from its peak.
Injuries and a fresh team can be blamed for some of the Cats’ lack of finesse, but not all of it.
The Roos also saw an influx of players over the pre-season and although the foundations remained the same, the team has needed time to gel.
Ben Papps has come as a welcome inclusion and has provided a target in front of goals when required.
He banged through a game-high four goals last round against East Gambier and will be one for the Cats to keep a close eye on.
He tends to find the big sticks in crucial moments of the game and could deal some damage again tomorrow.
Jett Attard made his return to the club this season and has also not been shy in the forward line.
He currently sits third in the league goal kicking with 12 majors and will be looked to for a few again this week.
Add into the mix Garret Ha, Michael Minuzzo and Jordan Zeitz – all off-season recruits – and West has added a wealth of talent to an already gifted side.
For the Cats it has been the regulars who have performed this season, despite a large turnover of players in the pre-season.
Macdonald has been playing solid football, as has Dylan Ayton, while Daniel Richardson has had a good start to the season.
It has been a breakout year for Justin Carlin and he will be another to watch, with recruit Glen Widdicombe another consistently among the Cats’ best.
Several talented youngsters have made their debuts over the last few rounds for the Cats and they will continue to get a taste of senior football while the team gets injuries in check.
As it stands the Roos should be able to run away with the match as they did against the Bulldogs in round six, but if the Cats can put in a four-quarter effort it may be closer than expected.
