James Murphy
Millicent 6.9 (45) d West Gambier 4.12 (36)
MILLICENT clinched a nine-point win over West Gambier in wet conditions at Malseed Park in Round 8 of Western Border football.
Players of all disciplines received their first proper taste of winter sport over the weekend and Saturday’s rain put a dampener on scoreboards.
In the end a 45-point return was enough to see the Saints across the line but it did not come without a fight.
Millicent was able to hold the lead at every change and entered the final quarter with a two-goal lead.
However, the Roos stacked on a couple of early goals to sneak in front and put the pressure on the reigning premiers.
Saints coach Clint Gallio was impressed with the grit shown by his team to fight the game out in dismal conditions.
“It was looking pretty grim there at one stage,” he said.
“It was really positive and mature of the boys to grind it out the whole way and they got the result.”
Gallio said it was not pretty football but in the end the Saints’ desire to win helped them across the line.
Dylan Bromley was pivotal in the fourth quarter and kicked two of his three goals for the day during that time.
Down the other end youngster Zac McGuinness proved a brick wall in defence.
After a consistent few weeks of football his efforts were recognised with the best-on-ground honours.
“He had a lot of balls coming towards him and he didn’t get beaten all day,” Gallio said.
“He was one of those guys who really dug deep when he needed to and we thought he was super over the four quarters.”
Also in the backline Dylan Tincknell proved solid, while Craig Gysbers gave his all in the scrappy affair.
The Saints also welcomed the return of Hamish Nitschke following a lengthy stint away from the game due to an ACL injury.
He looked strong on the day to earn himself a place in the best and will be one to watch once the match fitness comes.
In a game where hard work was rewarded it was no surprise to see Lawry Bradley-Brown named as West’s best on ground.
His workhorse style of play had him go hard for the ball and put in 100pc throughout the match.
He was joined by regular contributors Michael Minuzzo, Jesse Pfitzner, Lewis Lean and Kyle Giddings among the best.
Goals were shared around for the Roos with Reece Cowling, Giddings, Dylan Gillies and Pfitzner all snagging one each.
The Roos will hope to bounce back against East Gambier next week, while the Saints face the challenge of an in-form North Gambier.
