THE stakes have been high every time West and North Gambier have clashed this season and tomorrow’s blockbuster round 14 Western Border football battle at Malseed Park will be no different.
All season the two rivals have been fighting tooth and nail to hold the top position on the ladder, but their last home and away encounter will likely decide the minor premiership.
The Roos hold the advantage heading into the match on their home ground, with an undefeated record against the Tigers in 2019.
North has shown class against the other four sides, but West has proved a bridge too far.
The yellow and black will be desperate to get one over their bogey side before gearing up for finals.
North’s premiership assault looked to be slowed by a number of injury setbacks and that was the case when a poor second half saw the Tigers go down to South Gambier two weeks ago.
But the following round a return to familiar surroundings saw the depleted North outfit produce a stunning performance to upset the in-form East Gambier.
With a list of notable names out of action, it was Sam Stafford who stood up when it counted.
Stafford produced a coming-of-age performance in the forward line with five goals and the best-on-ground honours.
He was well supported by the likes of coach Justin McConnell, Nick McInerney, plus Hamish and Michael Telford.
With a return of the powerful Matt McInerney imminent, the Tigers are starting to claw back to their best and as last week proved, they can not be underestimated.
West also experienced a similar drop in form recently.
After a run of 10-straight victories, the Roos suffered consecutive defeats for the first time this season.
But unlike the Tigers, injury was not to blame and West was simply out-played.
However, the Roos jumped back onto the winner’s list last week with a confidence-boosting triumph over South.
Jordan Williams, Michael Minuzzo, Garrett Ha and Jackson Lock were particularly impressive, just to name a few in the solid team performance.
With an undefeated home ground record since the opening round upset against the Bulldogs and a number of players in solid form, West will start as favourite to maintain a clean record against its nearest rival.
In the Roos’ way will be a gritty North outfit, which will hope to replicate another fighting performance to upstage a fitter side.
With the minor premiership on the line, an entertaining finals dress rehearsal awaits.
