James Murphy
East Gambier v Millicent
THE Bulldogs host Millicent for Round 15 of Western Border football this week.
The Saints will enter the clash with confidence, after they toppled the Tigers in convincing fashion on the weekend.
For East Gambier, it pushed West until three-quarter time, before dropping the lead for an eventual 24-point loss.
The Bulldogs have shown glimpses of greatness throughout the season, but are yet to string a full four quarters together and have just one win for 2022.
Last time the sides met Millicent was untroubled at home and claimed a 38-point win.
Sam Willis put in a best-on-ground performance for the victors on that occasion and he carries form from last week’s clash against North.
Dylan Bromley will likely be the danger man again up front and he enters the round off a nine-goal haul.
His marking ability has been first class, while he has dialled in his boot in recent rounds to be deadly around the arc.
Hamish Nitschke has also been in fine form, while the return of Tom Hutchesson and coach Clint Gallio to the field has buoyed the side.
They will be keen to chip off some more rust, after lengthy stints on the sidelines due to injury, in preparation for the approaching finals campaign.
For the Bulldogs co-coach Jayden Eldridge has been a consistent performer, while young-gun Shaun Lock carries some hot form into the round.
He comes off consecutive best-on-ground performances for his work through the midfield, while he also popped up with a couple of goals last round.
Fellow youngster Jack Lawrence had a strong outing against the Roos last week, while the likes of John Forster and Matt Ferguson have also been consistent.
The safe bet is with Millicent this week and although East will remain competitive in patches, the Saints are too polished and will continue to build finals momentum.
