A CLASSIC contest awaits at Vansittart Park, where a depleted North Gambier will look to maintain an unbeaten record over the charging East Gambier tomorrow.
With the pair and West Gambier all tied at the top of the ladder, this thrilling round 13 Western Border football encounter is a must win for both sides if they want to enjoy the luxury of the double chance come September.
No matter the occasion, it does not take much for these foes to get up in clashes against one another, but with the tantalising chance to remain at the top with bragging rights before finals, the rivalry will step up a notch.
However, one factor which could influence the final result might be injuries, which have impacted both sides at different stages throughout the season.
The Bulldogs suffered a number of setbacks at the start of the season and struggled to match the top sides, but are now close to full strength and are the form team of the competition.
Without the services of playing-coach Matt Willson, East forced the Roos to suffer their first defeat in 10 games and backed up the impressive display with a commanding win over reigning premier Millicent.
The recent success has suddenly fired the Bulldogs into minor-premiership reckoning and they will be hungry to continue the charge at Tigerland.
The resurgence has been led by a number of players, but the likes of Matt and Frazer Scanlon, Jake McKeon and Nick Lock have pushed the ball through the middle with devastating effect.
There is a tall and strong forward line at the receiving end and Mark Rumbelow rediscovered his best touch.
He was influential with a five-goal haul and a best-on-ground performance against the Saints.
Scoring options has been a strength of East in recent weeks as other key-targets such as Kev Thomson, Shem Balshaw and Mark Kieselbach have all found form inside-50.
The Tigers’ backline will also have to counter the pace of Giancarlo Cooper and Jack Dawe who can hurt the scoreboard too.
With the accurate left-foot of Willson ready to jump straight back into the team on return from suspension, the rampant Bulldogs will be a tough force to slow down.
On the other hand, North has experienced contrasting fortunes to its rivals and after a fast beginning, appears to be limping towards the finals.
With the return of playing-coach Justin McConnell, the Tigers enjoyed a flying start to the season.
Big scores led to seven wins from their opening eight games, but in recent weeks the yellow and black have been significantly hurt by injury and results have suffered.
Quality names such as Declan Kenny, Jordan Hollitt, Jake Schutz, Nick Morretti, plus Brad and Jake Stafford have all been all out of action in recent weeks.
Despite the quality return of the competition’s leading goal scorer McConnell with another four majors, he could not prevent his side from slumping to an upset defeat to South Gambier.
North’s depth has been stretched to the maximum and it can not afford another setback with finals fast approaching.
Defender Brett Shepherdson has stepped up, while Nick McInerney and Hamish Telford still offer plenty of grit.
But the Tigers could be boosted by the possible inclusion of Matt McInerney.
Although he has only played four games in 2019, he has kicked an impressive 19 goals and can ease some pressure off McConnell’s shoulders.
North will be desperate for the return of his services to stop the rot with a challenging run to finals ahead.
Despite the home ground advantage and recent bragging rights, the Tigers have to pull one out the fire if they are to maintain an unbeaten record over their fierce rivals.
The contrasting recent fortunes of the two sides leave the visitors in the box seat, but North and East contests are always a fierce battle with entertaining football on display.
