James Murphy
SOUTH GAMBIER v NORTH GAMBIER
AFTER a loss to Millicent in Saturday’s second semi-final, South Gambier faces a do-or-die second chance against North Gambier across the border at Island Park tomorrow.
The Demons finished the season on top of the ladder, with the Saints the only side to best them in 2022.
They missed out on the first ticket into the decider by just 13 points, which leaves them as the favourite over the Tigers.
To North’s credit it has been one team which has been able to push the top two sides this year, but has yet to taste the rewards for its efforts.
The Tigers have no shortage of finals experience and boasts arguably the most experienced roster in the competition.
Their backline, which includes the likes of Ciaran Buckley, Tim McInerney and Jake Schutz – to name a few – has been a standout all season and seemed to have reached a peak in recent weeks.
That will be one challenge South certainly has the firepower to combat, but the Demons will need to be vigilant nonetheless.
Playing coach and full forward Brayden Kain was kept quiet by his standards against Millicent and finished with just the one goal on Saturday.
North will want to achieve the same feat, but will need to be mindful of South’s other accurate boots.
Youngster Mitchell Sims has been one such player and has been a reliable force in front of the big sticks, which included three goals in the qualifying final.
Brodie Foster is another culprit around goal and had a couple of big moments against the Saints.
Down the other end Taylor Saffin was impressive in defence last week.
He will be joined by the likes of Todd Reid and Emerson Marks, who provide a driving force out of the backline.
They will need to be in fine form to deny North powerhouse Sam Stafford from running rampant in front of goal.
He finished second only to Kain in the goalkicking this year and has proven his versatility time and time again.
Through the middle South captain Brett O’Neil was in fine touch on the weekend and his leadership inspires the best from his teammates.
North has a similar beacon in captain Nick McInerney, who is renowned for his trademark intensity on and around the ball.
Hamish Telford is no stranger to finals football and put in a best-on-ground performance in the Tigers’ elimination final win over West.
He will be another to keep a close eye on, but there is no shortage of players able to stand up to the occasion.
On paper both teams have an abundance of talent and have become well-oiled machines over the span of several seasons.
South will be favoured based on season form, but North will push until the final siren after some close encounters during the home-and-away season.
One thing is for certain, at the end of the day one team will earn a place alongside Millicent in the 2022 grand final and a chance at premiership glory.
WESTERN BORDER FOOTBALL PRELIMINARY FINAL SCHEDULE – ISLAND PARK (SA times shown)
Under 14: East Gambier v West Gambier, 8.30am; Under 16: North Gambier v Millicent, 9.50am; Under 18: North Gambier v Millicent, 11.10am; Reserves: Millicent v West Gambier, 12.40pm; A Grade: South Gambier v North Gambier, 2.30pm.
