One last chance

LAST CHANCE: South Gambier shooter Lara Munro will fight hard for the Demons when they face Millicent in a do-or-die clash. Picture: James Murphy

SOUTH GAMBIER V MILLICENT

IT is hard to see it happening but South Gambier can still statistically make finals.

However, it relies on several factors – including beating Millicent this round.

Last time the two met it was a poor start that brought the Demons undone and in the end the margin was a respectable 12 goals, which is just enough to give South hope.

The Demons also need West to defeat North for the finals dream to become a reality.

It will all come down to the start at Blue Lake Sports Park tomorrow.

Two of South’s worst defeats – their most recent clash with East Gambier and last weekend against the Roos – have come after lacklustre opening quarters.

The young Demons will need to be switched on and ready to compete from the opening whistle.

Lara Munro and Alyssa Duncan are well matched to Saints defenders Portia McRae and Hannah Nitschke.

If they show patience and wait for the space to open up, they should be able to stay in touch on the scoreboard.

Especially if they use their circle feeders, Tully McShane and Megan Reid, to work the ball through the Saints’ defence.

At the other end, Grace Edwards and Ellie Bouchier will need to play a close-checking game on Tabatha Sanderson and Demi Verbena to reduce their scoring opportunities.

They will also rely on pressure through the mid court from Ruby Richter and Reid.

The South mid court will certainly have to work hard both offensively and defensively given the class and experience of the Saints.

Millicent’s mid court includes Lisa Duldig, Paige Nitschke, Georgia Clarke and the Saints can also call on Lillie Paul.

They definitely start favourite but spectators will hope the home side brings four quarters of heat and leaves no stone unturned in the final minor round clash.