James Murphy
A STATEMENT was made at McLaughlin Park on Saturday when South Gambier claimed a win on the road over reigning premier Millicent in the anticipated Western Border football grand final rematch.
The Demons returned home with a 25-point victory, largely helped by a solid first quarter.
With the wind to their favour in the opening term, the guests were able to pile on five goals to Millicent’s one and establish a 26-point margin at the change.
That left South with a handy buffer and with three goals each in the second quarter, the 2021 runner-up held a 22-point lead at half time.
That stretched out slightly to 29 in the third, before Millicent reeled it in somewhat to finish down by 25.
For the Saints the inclusion of Thomas Hutchesson added some spark wherever he popped up around the ground.
His defensive efforts were solid, while he also moved forward to bang through three goals in a strong display.
Jacob Carger was named the Saints’ best for his game, which included three goals, while Dylan Tincknell and the returning Dylan Bromley were strong in defence against the impressive South attack.
Coach Brayden Kain was again a focal point in the forward 50 for the Demons.
He led well which created opportunity for some big marks, which translated onto the scoreboard with four goals to his name.
Youngster Mitchell Sims was also impressive with three majors, while Liam Delaney shined brightly in his A Grade debut, earning himself a place in the Demons’ best with two goals to show for his efforts.
In fact, the bulk of South’s best players on the day were rising talents, as Brock Keding, fellow debutante Ryan Kuhl and Noah Sims all earned a mention.
However, it was the performance from Taylor Saffin off half-back which helped lead the Demons to victory and he was named best-on-ground for the clash.
Returning recruit James Paprotny was also in fine form and his experience above his head and in moving the ball cleanly off half-back to set up opportunities was on display on Saturday.
Kain was pleased with the result and said it was good to earn some early confidence heading into the season ahead.
“To get off the ground and running with a win first game gives us a lot of confidence moving forward,” he said.
“After a big summer and some fresh faces in the group, it was good to see all that fall into line.”
Despite a steady breeze to the clubroom end of the oval, Kain said there was not a clear wind advantage in every quarter.
“Both teams were able to work a lot harder when they were pushing into the wind,” he said.
“Millicent nullified us as much as we did them and we knew we had to work a bit harder in the second and fourth quarter when they had the wind and not give them any opportunities.
“It was good to see the boys really dig their heels in and the back six held up tremendously.”
With a strong performance in the opening round and such promising signs from its youth, South looks to be a team to beat again this year.
“It leaves the rest of the group comfortable and confident with these kids coming through that are really up to the challenge,” Kain said.
“It takes a little bit of pressure off the older guys as well and we can spread the workload a bit more.”
South will be tipped to add to its winning streak this week when it hosts East Gambier at Blue Lake Sports Park.
