James Murphy
EAST GAMBIER 14.9 (93) d WEST GAMBIER 6.8 (44)
THE Bulldogs are on the board, with their first win of the 2022 Western Border football season on Saturday.
East Gambier made the trip across town to West Gambier, where both teams had a point to prove heading into the match.
The Roos had just one win under their belts, while the Bulldogs entered the round 0-3.
A good start from East had it kick two goals against the breeze but it was the hosts which led at the first change with three majors.
The second term was just as close with a goal at both ends and West led 26-23 at the main break.
That set up what appeared would be another close half of football.
However, the Bulldogs had other ideas.
They raced out of the gates in the “premiership” quarter and piled on an impressive seven unanswered goals to wrap the game up by three-quarter time.
Garret Ha and co-coach Matt Scanlon were both focal points during this time and ended their games with four goals each.
“After half time we spoke on that and changed a couple of little things with our structure and we came out and executed pretty well,” East co-coach Jayden Eldridge said.
“It was probably the best quarter we have put together this season.”
A further four majors in the final term kept the Roos at bay, with the end result a 49-point win.
The outcome comes as a welcome relief for East, following a couple of unlucky results in the opening rounds.
“Our backs have been against the wall a little bit the last few weeks,” Eldridge said.
“To finally get a win on the board it sparks the group again and puts a few smiles on a faces.”
Youngster Connor Barry was a standout on the day and proved his versatility for the Bulldogs.
Having played in the backline in previous weeks, he was shifted forward to cover Shaun Lock’s position, after he suffered an injury in the first half.
“We threw Connor Barry down there and it just changed our whole structure,” Eldridge said.
“He was taking some nice grabs and gave us the confidence that we could hit inside 50.”
He bagged two goals but his efforts were not restricted to the forward line.
He also swapped into the ruck to help out Carl Slape, where he was able to give the Bulldogs first use of the ball.
As such he was named East’s best on the day, while Patrick Hatch was also impressive and has started to shine through the midfield.
Eldridge also gave a mention to another young gun, with Sam Lock also earning his keep in the best players for his efforts in the backline.
Nick Lock, Ha and Giancarlo Cooper rounded out the best players, with the trio sparking plenty of energy when they were around the ball.
Yet another solid performance came from West’s Tom Nieuwerkerk and he was named best on ground for his team for the second time this season.
Jordan Williams was also strong, while coach Daron McElroy was best in front of goal with three majors.
Both teams face challenges this weekend, with the Roos up against an undefeated South, while East faces reigning premier Millicent.
