James Murphy
EAST GAMBIER v SOUTH GAMBIER
AFTER suffering its first loss of the year against Millicent last week, South Gambier will be hungry to return to the winner’s list in Round 7.
The Demons travel to McDonald Park to play East Gambier tomorrow and will not be the only side eager to prove a point.
East has tasted limited success this season with just the one win against West Gambier.
The Bulldogs were able to match North’s pace in the first half last round and will search for similar intensity from the first bounce.
However, they will understand a four-quarter performance will be required if they are to produce the upset of the season.
On paper East has just as much talent as any side but it has yet to find its groove in 2022.
The addition of Garret Ha to the club has added some fire to the forward line and he compliments the likes of co-coach Matt Scanlon inside 50.
Nick Lock carries strong form into the clash and will be out to continue his solid start to the year, while the likes of co-coach Jayden Eldridge, James Byrne and ruckman Carl Slape were also good against the Tigers last week.
South has talent and speed in all areas of the ground and the likes of Brock Keding, Liam Delaney and Alex Harkness will be dangerous again if they are all available.
Although with a few key absences it could be the best chance East will have to down one of the league’s heavyweights.
Captain Brett O’Neil has played only one game this season with injury troubles and East will find some relief if he and Hamish Stevens remain sidelined this week.
Powerhouse forward Brodie Foster pulled up in the first quarter last week with a hamstring issue, while Jake Tentye was stretchered from the ground with a suspected knee injury.
As such it may be a wounded side which ventures to the “Kennel” tomorrow.
The Bulldogs will need to capitalise on potential weak links but with the immense depth coming through from South’s Reserves and junior sides, East will still enter the clash as the underdog.
