James Murphy
WEST GAMBIER v NORTH GAMBIER
IT will be a preview of the following week’s elimination final when West Gambier hosts North Gambier in the last minor round of Western Border football.
The two teams have had some close contests this season and currently the Roos hold the better hand with two wins from three encounters.
However, the Tigers enter the round off a strong win against Casterton Sandford and will be eager to keep the momentum going.
North is pretty well locked into fourth place and hold the percentage advantage to fend off the Cats in the worst-case scenario.
As such player line-ups could differ for both teams as it is the last chance for niggling injuries to be rested prior to finals.
In addition to that, a rematch the following week will see the sides play their cards close to their chest, as both will want to leave a couple of surprises in the bag for when it counts.
Nick McInerney comes off an explosive performance for North and his influence through the midfield will be something to watch again.
Likewise, West’s Lawry Bradley-Brown plays a similar game and also enters the clash in hot form.
For the Roos, coach Daron McElroy has been a target up front in recent rounds and paired with his prowess in the ruck, will be dangerous again.
Both teams boast impressive defence lines, with North looking to the likes of Jordan Hollitt, Ciaran Buckley and Jake Schutz.
West’s Jesse Pfitzner will likely land the job of keeping Sam Stafford quiet, while Lewis Lean and Todd McPartlan have also been prolific down back.
It all equates to another thrilling encounter, but will merely be an entrée to what is to come the following week.
