SOUTH Gambier will look to surprise a depleted North Gambier when it hosts the premiership contenders at Blue Lake Sports Park tomorrow.
The two previous results between the Anzac Day rivals suggest another blow-out Tigers win, but last week’s form could suggest a closer fight.
The Demons scored a fighting victory at the same venue over Casterton Sandford in a windy affair, while the Tigers narrowly avoided embarrassment against the wooden-spoon-favourite, Millicent.
In a scrappy contest, North struggled to put the spirited winless side away at the same venue where it began its season in such dominant fashion.
It was only an inaccurate final quarter by the home side, which allowed the Tigers to hold on by 10 points.
North’s premiership tilt has been stalled by a number of absent key players in recent weeks.
Most notably, revolutionary coach Justin McConnell has been forced to remain on the sidelines for the previous two matches due to injury.
His absence left a huge hole to fill in the forward line after he averaged a staggering six goals per game.
Matt McInerney momentarily covered that gap with a couple of big bags up forward, but has struggled to be available and will not likely return until the pointy end of the season.
Injury has also struck important contributors Jake Schultz, Declan Kenny, Brad Stafford and Jordan Hollitt, which has forced North to dig deep innto its player list.
However, Hamish Telford returned from his injury with flying colours last week and will hope to continue in the same vein.
One man who has also struggled to get on the park, but has made a big impact is Nick Moretti.
He has been a large presence in his two games so far with five majors and is in good form.
Nick McInerney has led from the front and gone in hard at the contests all year.
His leadership and trademark running display was a big reason why the Tigers achieved the win over the Saints.
Jake Stafford and Michael Telford kicked a pair of goals each, while defender Brett Shepherdson produced his best performance of the year.
Despite the notable absentees, these recent efforts prove North has plenty depth and talent on its list.
But the Demons will view this round as their best chance of snatching an upset over their fancied rival.
Fresh off the back of a confidence-boosting victory over its nearest challengers – the Cats – South is desperate to claim a major scalp and solidify a finals position.
Perhaps the most pleasing aspect for the Demons was the fact they had eight individual goal kickers without requiring the services of Brayden Kain.
Scoring has been South’s biggest issue all season, with Saturday’s win just its third 50-plus total in 11 attempts.
Also the promising young talent who have impressed all year, are starting to gel with their more experienced team mates.
The likes of Todd Reid, Kyle Jones, Mason Hein, Emerson Marks and Kaleb Bowd have all enjoyed breakout seasons and formed part of an impressive team effort.
Brett O’Neil has had limited time on the ground this season but will play his 200th game tomorrow, which is sure to spur the Demons on.
Coach Brett Exelby has returned to field and built some form, while Jack Tentye continues to go from strength to strength.
The home ground advantage will help the improving Demons side, but they will have to play out of their skins if they are to challenge the yellow and black.
