James Murphy
MILLICENT 15.13 (103) d SOUTH GAMBIER 8.4 (52)
SOUTH Gambier travelled to Millicent for a Round 2 grand final rematch against the Saints on Saturday.
Last year’s Western Border Football League heavyweights both suffered key losses during the off-season which left their first encounter of 2023 a bit of an unknown.
The outcome was an even three quarters, but Millicent broke away when it counted in the final stanza to topple the Demons by 51 points in convincing fashion.
Goals were traded in the opening term and at the first change South held a three-point lead.
Already Jacob Carger had started to make his presence known up forward, on his way to an eventual six-goal haul.
Meanwhile South’s Ethan Chuck was creating havoc at the opposite end, which included an impressive goal – helped by a lucky bounce over the Millicent defence.
The Saints regained the lead in the second with three majors, while the guest added one to trail by 11 heading into the main break.
Both teams had their time in the spotlight during the third quarter and South kicked four goals to Millicent’s three.
That left the game up for grabs at the final change with the Saints up 57-51 – and grab it they did.
The hosts hit the ground running and a huge return of 7.4 left the Demons scratching their heads.
Just one behind came from South’s end for the quarter and it was one-way traffic into the Millicent attack.
The final damage was a 103-52 point victory, with the Demons left to rue what was painfully reminiscent of the third quarter of the 2022 decider.
Carger was the focal point up forward, with his six goals complementing his Round 1 efforts for a neat dozen majors from two rounds.
However, it was the efforts from youngster Josh Werchon which could not go unrewarded and he received the best-on-ground honours for the match.
Coach Clint Gallio also put in a solid performance, while Frazer Bradley made a welcomed guest appearance, adding plenty of pace and skill across the ground.
Kade Varcoe and Jack Verbena rounded out the best, with the former also kicking two goals.
Hamish Nitschke was the only other multiple goal scorer, also with two.
For South Chuck was named best on ground, along with two majors, while Nelson Forbes was best in front of goals again, finding the big sticks on three occasions.
Bryce Whicker fought hard in the ruck, while Emerson Marks, Nick Seager, Mitchell Harold and Oliver Thomson were solid as well.
The result puts Millicent a win clear in second place, while South remains winless after two rounds and sits in fifth.
