By Lachlan Onions
A CLOSE contest is expected when Casterton Sandford travels to Malseed Park for Round 11 of Western Border football in what should be an exciting clash between fourth and fifth on the ladder.
This clash could have a major impact on the race for finals as the Cats could move two wins clear of West and as the season heads to the business end, every win is crucial.
Casterton Sandford head into the clash off the back off a 16-point upset win over North Gambier in Round 10.
West Gambier lost its last game and will be hungry to bounce back on Saturday.
This is the third time these two sides will meet this season.
Casterton Sandford won the first clash in Round 1 but West won the most recent in Round 6 by 37 points.
The Roos will need to restrict the impact of Billy Galpin, who has been in an impressive run of form recently.
Galpin was best on ground during the Cats’ win over North last weekend.
He has kicked seven goals in his last four games and will look to continue his impressive run of form.
Adam McKinnon has kicked four goals in his two games against West this season and the pressure will be on to stop him from having an impact down the wing.
Back in Round 6, Lawrence Bradley-Brown was best on ground during the Roos’ impressive win at Island Park.
Jordan Williams will be one to watch for West after he kicked three goals in Round 10 and also kicked three the last time these two met.
The Roos have shown shown positive signs in the last month.
South Gambier defeated West comfortably in Round 10 but the Roos put in impressive performances against Millicent and East Gambier.
A win for West would see it jump Casterton Sandford on the ladder.
However, if the Cats win, they will move eight points clear of the Roos and will be in the box seat to claim the last place for finals football.
Casterton should have enough strength to defeat West but it will be a tightly contested game and the hosts will feel just as confident of grabbing a result.
