James Murphy
CASTERTON Sandford will have its work cut out for it when it hosts an undefeated South Gambier outfit for Round 4 of Western Border football tomorrow.
The Demons ride the high of a come-back win against North Gambier in Monday’s annual Anzac Day clash and will have their sights set on another victory away from home.
So far South has collected the scalps of Millicent, East and North and will be on track to add to its collection this week.
However, the Cats are not to be underestimated and demonstrated they can put in a four-quarter performance when they toppled the Bulldogs last round.
The cross-border rivals have shown improved fitness in 2022 and with a proper pre-season behind them have fielded a well-rounded lineup.
Recruit Ed Pritchard has been impressive and was the standout against the Roos.
He missed the Cats’ Round 2 clash with Millicent and will be an important inclusion this week.
Billy Galpin has had a good start to his season and will want to maintain his form, while the likes of Hamish McCrae and Dylan Ayton will also look to continue their consistency.
Ethan Currie was another top performer last round and popped up with two goals to compliment his efforts.
On the other side of the coin, South is not without its own talent and coach Brayden Kain has a deep pool to choose from each week.
That was shown in Round 2 against the Bulldogs, when the Demons were required to call upon juniors and Reserves due to player shortages.
The return of Brett O’Neil was welcomed last week and he hit the ground running, earning himself the Tony Casadio medal for best on ground in the Anzac Day clash.
Brody Virgo was also impressive, while youngster Alex Harkness excelled in his shutdown role on North powerhouse forward Justin McConnell.
James Paprotny has proven reliable off the half-back line in the early stages of the season.
He and young-gun Todd Reid will provide an obstacle for Casterton Sandford midfielders as they attempt to move the ball into attack.
At the other end of the ground Kain and Brodie Foster are ever-reliable targets in front of goal.
They will be out to make an impact tomorrow, while the speedy youngsters in the group are also dangerous when they find the ball inside the forward 50.
South will be favoured to claim the points this round, but another four-quarter performance from the Cats could see the Demons work hard for the win.
