James Murphy
South Gambier 16.10 (106) d Millicent 7.7 (49)
SOUTH Gambier has cemented itself as the team to beat in the Western Border A Grade football competition.
The Demons travelled to McLaughlin Park on Saturday to dismiss reigning premier Millicent with ease in a top-of-the-table fizzer.
Sitting in first and second on the ladder and with a win each in their previous meetings this season, a thrilling contest was expected.
However, South came out firing from the first bounce and claimed a stinging 57-point victory in what coach Brayden Kain described as one of his team’s best games of the year.
Kicking with the wind in the first quarter, the Demons scored five goals to Millicent’s two and held a good buffer at the change.
A heavy downpour of rain then tightened things up in the second term, costing Millicent a chance to return fire.
“That sort of put the brakes on for them, which was really good for us,” Kain said.
“It slowed them right down and we were able to control the ball, lock it in and there was just ball up after ball up.”
Things dried up after half time and the Demons again found the upper hand.
A huge seven-goal term handed them a 47-point lead heading into the final stanza.
They played the game out until the final siren and kept the foot on the gas against the wind to ensure the Saints did not attempt a come-back.
“It was a good character-building effort in that last quarter to grind it out and not let them back into the game,” Kain said.
“Something we have been working on the last couple of weeks is that killer instinct of keeping the foot on the throat.
“It was really good to finish off strongly while we were in control of the game.”
Kain had his boot dialled in again to lead the charge with six goals, while youngster Colby Munro and Brodie Foster scored four and three respectively to form a deadly three-pronged attack.
However, it was the delivery into the forward line which received recognition.
Hamish Stevens proved a vital link down the wing and on the centre-half forward line.
His impressive efforts had him named best on ground in what Kain said was as his best game of the year.
“He just gave us so much rebound from the back 50 – his spread along the wing and forward line pressure was unreal,” Kain said.
“He has a really good set of skills on him and his execution on Saturday was first class.
“We know if we get a metre on our man in the forward line, he is going to put it right in our lap.”
Emerson Marks was another standout, while Josh Woodall was also commended for his hard work and leadership through the midfield.
Todd Reid and James Paprotny were also in fine form and proved rock solid around the half-back line.
For the Saints Kade Bradley was best as he worked tirelessly in defence, while up front Dylan Bromley was a focal point again with three goals.
Eli Redman and Dylan Tincknell were also solid, in a day which the Saints will have plenty to learn from.
