James Murphy
SOUTH GAMBIER v MILLICENT
THE final minor round of Western Border football is upon us and it will provide a glimpse into the approaching qualifying final when Millicent visits South Gambier.
Both teams have set the benchmark of the competition this season and will play each other for the fourth time on Saturday.
Their previous clashes have shared the honours with the Demons on two wins, including the most recent Round 11 match-up.
Ironically, both of those games were played in Millicent, while the Saints’ win over South came at Blue Lake Sports Park in Round 6.
The outcome will have no effect on ladder position and as such line-ups are difficult to accurately predict, with the possibility of resting players.
Last time the sides met South set itself up early with a strong opening quarter on the way to an eventual 57-point victory.
Coach Brayden Kain and Colby Munro led the charge in front of goals with six and four respectively.
In Kain’s absence last round due to state commitments, Munro stepped up again to bag five goals and the best-on-ground honours.
Fellow young gun Mitchell Sims has also been prolific inside 50 in recent rounds, while Brodie Foster is always reliable up front.
Down the other end, the return of Todd Reid will bolster the Demons’ defence and provide a challenge for Millicent’s attack.
For the Saints, Dylan Bromley continues to be the main target up front, while the likes of Kalan Shanks is likely to receive another key defender role.
Hamish Nitschke, Sam Willis and Kade Varcoe come off solid outings last round, while both Jacob Carger and Frazer Bradley are expected to return this week.
The match looms as somewhat of a crystal ball for the final to come and will be one not to miss as the minor round competition wraps up for 2022.
