James Murphy
West Gambier 12.15 (87) d East Gambier 9.9 (63)
IN a match not decided until the final quarter, West Gambier claimed a Round 14 victory over East Gambier and with it the Call to Arms Cup.
The annual clash between the two clubs celebrates the memory of Phil Muhovics, with a medal also presented to the voted best on ground.
That accolade went to West coach Daron McElroy on the day and he earned the Phil Muhovics medal for his work in the ruck, as well as up forward, especially when the game hung in the balance in the fourth term.
After an arm wrestle over three quarters, the Roos found themselves down by four points at the final change.
They led by 11 at the first break, before the Bulldogs surged in the second term to wrestle back a one-goal lead at half time.
However, West proved why it is in the top three and a renewed effort saw one-way traffic throughout the term and four unanswered goals iced the game.
McElroy put the result down to a dominant performance through the midfield, while he was impressed with his backline on the day.
“It was a good effort by the midfield and a great effort by the backline for most of the day,” he said.
“The back six was unreal – I can’t fault them much.
“A couple of little cheap goals here and there which you let slide, but other than that they did really well.”
Lewis Lean was the leader of that pack and he earned the Roo’s best-on-ground honours for his defensive efforts, while Lawry Bradley-Brown showed his usual flare through the midfield.
Todd McPartlan was another standout down back, while he was shifted forward and also had an impact.
McElroy topped the scoresheets with three goals for the match, while Ben Papps and Jordan Williams slotted two each.
For the Bulldogs it was yet another case of what could have been.
They have suffered when it comes to putting games away this season and while there were plenty of positives, would be disappointed to have let this one slip from their grasp.
Shaun Lock was a highlight and the youngster was named best on ground for the second consecutive week, with two goals to show for his efforts.
The ever-reliable John Forster and Jayden Eldridge were also solid, while fellow young-gun Jack Lawrence was another standout.
The win now leaves West in the box seat for a finals berth with only two minor rounds remaining.
“If everything goes the way it should go, I think we are locked in,” McElroy said.
“The boys are pretty keen and I honestly think we can push anyone if we get to finals.”
