James Murphy
SOUTH Gambier continued its formidable start to the 2022 Western Border Football League season on Saturday.
The Demons hosted East Gambier for Round 2 and despite the need to call on some Reserves and junior talent on the day, finished the clash with a 44-point win.
It will be hard to find a weakness in the South line-up this year, with a wealth of depth in all areas of the ground.
Another healthy list of goal kickers kept scorers busy with seven Demons finding the big sticks in windy conditions.
Down the other end of the ground the Bulldogs were hard pressed by the South backline, with the likes of Todd Reid, James Paprotny and Taylor Saffin on patrol.
As such the guests were left scoreless in the opening term, while the home team took advantage of the wind to set up a 35-point margin by the break.
East found some momentum in the second quarter to reel it in to 17 points, but an inaccurate return of 3.8 left the Bulldogs wondering what could have been at half time.
The third term was competitive at both ends but the Demons found more opportunities and added five goals to East’s two.
That set up a 36-point lead at the last change which the Bulldogs were unable to reel in.
It was an impressive showing from the Demons, who – due to various factors – were without several starting players.
That saw the likes of Emerson Marks, Ollie Thomson and Robert Hein step up into A Grade company, while new recruit Brody Virgo had his first run of the season.
Thomson and Hein both popped up on the goal scorer’s list with a major each, while the latter also earned recognition for his efforts around the ground.
Stepping into the ruck to fill the shoes of his brother Mason, who was injured in last week’s grand final rematch, Hein carried solid form into the match and this week impressed again as he stepped up to the top grade.
Brock Keding was the standout for the match, as the hard-working wingman proved a valuable asset to South’s movement up the ground.
“He has had a really big pre-season and he has put a lot of emphasis on his fitness work,” coach Brayden Kain said.
“He played a bit of half back, a bit of on ball and some tagging roles last year but this year he has made the wing his own.
“He is creating a lot of space and opportunity by getting to the right position.”
For the Bulldogs it was Sam and Shaun Lock who impressed, while co-coach Jayden Eldridge was also in fine form.
Luke Johnston and co-coach Matt Scanlon were best in front of goals for the Bulldogs and they both bagged two goals.
At the other end of the ground the tall forwards in Kain and Brodie Foster managed three each.
However, the wind took its toll on set shots from both ends, with small forwards making all the difference on the day.
“The wind was a little bit tricky – it made it harder for us bigger guys,” Kain said.
“Myself and Foster probably kicked eight or nine points between us.
“It comes back to the small guys putting their hands up.
“We got a good couple of crumbing goals which created some opportunities.”
It sets up a comfortable Easter break for South, as it enters the week off with an undefeated record.
It will now prepare itself for the annual Anzac Day clash against North Gambier on April 25.
For East it will now regroup heading into a Round 3 meeting with Casterton Sandford at the Kennel.
