James Murphy
Millicent v North Gambier
AN important road trip looms for North Gambier this weekend, when it travels to play Millicent for Round 14 of Western Border football.
The Tigers sit in an unsecured fourth place on the premiership table and will need every win they can muster to ensure they remain in contention.
Only three minor rounds remain and an upset over the reigning premiers tomorrow would go a long way towards booking a place in finals.
Last time the sides met was in Round 9 and the Saints were too strong.
They broke away after an even first half to claim a 33-point win at Vansittart Park.
Prior to that, the Round 4 meeting at Millicent was played under lights and was a closer 16-point affair, also to the Saint’ favour.
Of all the teams outside the top two, North has proven most capable against South and Millicent.
It is yet to be blown out of the water by a top team, but also yet to knock them off their perch.
That is something the Tigers will be focussed on tomorrow, as they look to set themselves up towards finals.
Sam Stafford has been in incredible form in the forward line and has booted 46 goals for the season.
His last outing returned a six-goal haul against ladder leader South and he is sure to pull out some more tricks this week.
Through the midfield Nick McInerney has been explosive as always, while the work from Justin McConnell through the centre and even down back has been pivotal to North’s rebounding capability this year.
The backline has been a highlight for the Tigers and with their new attacking style of game introduced by coach Ben Hardy, those players have also popped up on the scoring list.
The likes of Jake Schutz, Brett Shepherdson, Dale Bachmann and Ciaran Buckley have been in fine touch and will provide a hurdle for Saints’ forwards.
However, the Saints have no shortage of firepower and Dylan Bromley carries impressive form into the clash.
He has fine-tuned his accuracy over the last few rounds, which has taken his strong season to even greater heights.
He will be one the Tigers will need to limit in front of goals, but not the only problem they will face.
Kade Bradley’s game has developed nicely across the season and his capability as both a defender and attacker makes him a dangerous opponent.
Jacob Carger is also solid in front of the big sticks as well as down the ground, while a list of midfielders have jumped on the scorer’s list throughout the season.
A close clash can be expected, but the home-ground advantage should see the Saints across the line.
