INTERSPORT PLAYER OF THE YEAR
ROUND eight of Western Border football provided somewhat of a barometer into the season ahead.
The match of the round was undoubtedly the East Gambier v North Gambier clash at McDonald Park.
All looked set for a blockbuster after the opening term, but from there the Tigers controlled the game.
The sheer weight of possession and clinical disposal was the difference in the end.
Star Bulldog Matt Scanlon was tasked with holding down Tigers coach Justin McConnell.
McConnell only managed four major scores, but had several other opportunities.
The Tigers were quite clinical in their approach to the game, spreading the ball well and finding plenty of space around the ground to work.
A couple of injuries left them short-staffed, but they continued on in the final quarter to extend their lead and claim a comfortable 42-point victory.
It provided food for thought, as the Bulldogs had a solid lineup, albeit without coach Matt Willson on the ground.
At this stage it appears the Tigers are a favourite to contest the 2019 premiership, but there is still a long way to go.
The remaining two games went as expected, with Casterton Sandford bouncing back to record another win.
Millicent was at the mercy of the Cats for much of the day, apart from the second quarter where the Saints drew to within two points.
From there it was one-way traffic as the Cats ran out emphatic 64-point victors.
Tom Sullivan was at his best for the Cats through the midfield, while big man Will Macdonald worked well up forward in the key position.
Finally West Gambier paid no respect to the home ground of South Gambier as they ran out 60-point winners.
Once again it was Lawry Bradley-Brown who was the prime mover for the Roos.
Bradley-Brown must be a hot favourite for the league medal at season’s end, with his consistent effort week in, week out.
The Border Watch cadet sports journalist Thomas Miles gave Jake Tentye a mention for the Demons.
He kicked their only two goals of the game and Miles said he was a standout for the home side in a tough day at Blue Lake Sports Park.
This week the round honours for the Intersport Player of the Year go to Sullivan.
His efforts down at Island Park helped the Cats to a much-needed victory.
He has certainly become a player to be relied upon as the Cats look to lock down a finals berth in 2019.
East Gambier v North Gambier
3. Fraser Marshall (North Gambier): Found a mountain of possessions and disposed well to push the Tigers forward. Bagged a goal as reward for his efforts.
2. Dylan Munn (North Gambier): Provided plenty of run and carry for the Tigers.
1. Nick McInerney (North Gambier): Another solid game. Cleared the ball well and found targets up forward.
Casterton Sandford v Millicent
3. Tom Sullivan (Casterton Sandford): Played a key role through the midfield, with his defensive efforts and high pressure on the ball leading to offensive play which helped towards the Cats big win.
2. Will Macdonald (Casterton Sandford): Continues to be the dominant presence in the Cats’ forward line, top scoring with four goals in their triumph over the Saints.
1. Jackson Gibbs (Casterton Sandford): A solid performance from the young Cat who shows improvement every week, with two goals to show for his efforts.
South Gambier v West Gambier
3. Lawry Bradley-Brown (West Gambier): Produced another textbook performance. Was his usual self with silky skills, clean finishes and a goal.
2. Brad Wilson (West Gambier): Was a vital link across the middle. Took strong marks and moved the ball nicely into the forward line. Snagged a major to top the day off.
1. Jake Tentye (South Gambier): Toiled hard all match to stand out for the home side. Kicked South’s only two goals on a tough
day.
K & S FUELS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
IT was a day of Western Border football that went to plan for most tipsters.
East Gambier v North Gambier was clearly the match of the round, but to pick one player from both sides for this week’s award would certainly be a tough challenge.
The Tigers had many contributors, who all displayed classy skills and accurate delivery around the ground.
The final result showed North is certainly in the hunt this season as they accounted for East to the tune of 42 points.
However, the Bulldogs were certainly not without their own standout players.
Kevin Thomson was again on target in front of goals, while Jayden Eldridge continued his solid 2019 form as a strong defensive player.
Casterton Sandford lifted to another level after a second-quarter scare from Millicent.
The Saints were right in the game at the long break and in previous matches the Cats may well have folded.
Not this time.
The likes of Tom Sullivan, Hamish McRae and Jackson Gibbs stepped up, along with big man Will Macdonald, who booted four goals for the day.
In the final game West Gambier simply showed it is ready for the challenge in 2019, easily disposing of South Gambier.
The usual suspects all contributed, including another stellar performance from Lawry Bradley-Brown.
However, this week’s K&S Fuels Player of the Week honour goes to Tigers’ on-baller Nick McInerney.
McInerney has built his season to this point and has played good football in recent rounds.
Saturday saw him celebrate his 100th game milestone with a big win over the Bulldogs at the Kennel.
