James Murphy
PLENTY of intrigue will surround tomorrow’s Western Border football Round 4 meeting between West Gambier and East Gambier.
Both teams have had far from ideal starts to their 2022 campaigns and come off losses on the weekend.
The Roos have managed one triumph in the opening three rounds, which was a hard-fought victory over North Gambier, while the Bulldogs are yet to record a win.
That is not due to lack of talents and both sides have a mix of youth and experience.
West had a tough round against Millicent last week and will be eager to bounce back on its home deck.
The side welcomed the return of Lawry Bradley-Brown and he will be looking for a solid game tomorrow.
Tom Nieuwerkerk has been in good form early on and will fight hard for the Roos, while Will Crook enters the clash off a best-on-ground performance.
Reece Cowling and Dylan Gillies were the only players to find the big sticks against the Saints – something the Roos will want to improve on.
Coach Daron McElroy has proven capable not only in the ruck but up forward as well, while youngster Mitchell Cornolo and Nathan Taylor have made an impact in previous rounds.
For the visitors a loss to Casterton Sandford at home hurt in Round 3.
With nine more scoring opportunities than their opponents, the Bulldogs would have been disappointed to miss out on the points.
Garret Ha led the way with three goals for his side, while Patrick Hatch was East’s best player on the day.
Sam and Shaun Lock have shown good form early in the season and will want to continue that tomorrow.
Co-coach Matt Scanlon was subbed out due to injury last week and as such the Bulldogs may be without his services.
However, East should still be in with a chance and the clash looms as probably the closest of the round.
