James Murphy
CASTERTON Sandford will aim to improve on its last meeting with North Gambier when the Cats host the Tigers in Round 10 of Western Border football tomorrow.
The cross-border club fell to the Tigers by 50 points in Round 5 but since then have added a win over East Gambier and pushed reigning premier Millicent.
It has been a different story for North and it has proven a cut above the bottom-order teams, while struggling against league leaders South Gambier and Millicent.
Under the tutelage of coach Ben Hardy the Tigers have adopted an attacking brand of football which has created countless avenues to goal.
The backline has been in impressive form and even pushes deep into the midfield.
The likes of Jake Schutz, Jordan Hollitt, Dale Bachmann and Brett Shepherdson have been in form and they are all part of that back six.
Through the middle Nick McInerney can always be relied on for handy ball skills and maximum effort, while Justin McConnell has become a danger through there as well as he continues to make waves in his new role.
Youngsters Brodie Allen, Tyler Harris and Deacon Ilsley all impressed at last weekend’s Limestone Coast Regional Carnival and will look to continue their winning ways as they return to local league football.
The Cats are not without their own young talent, with Adam McKinnon dangerous up forward, while Zac Nash has also had his moments.
Diarmid Cleary has been solid and leads by example, while recent inclusion Alastair McCrae will hope to have another big impact in front of the big sticks.
He kicked six goals in the Cats’ come-from-behind win over the Bulldogs a couple of rounds ago and will need to be addressed by the Tigers’ defence.
Dylan Ayton has been as strong as ever and comes off a purple patch of form, while the likes of Gabe Parsons, Justin Carlin and Ethan Currie have also impressed recently.
A 45-point loss to South last round will fuel the Cats’ desire to win, while North had a similar disappointment when it fell to Millicent by 33.
Both teams will be desperate for the points as they look to consolidate a place in finals.
The Tigers sit a win clear in third place at this stage, while Casterton Sandford sits in fifth on percentage, with a win likely to boost it back into the four.
However, it will not come easily and the Tigers’ anthem can is expected to be heard at the conclusion of the day.
