James Murphy
NORTH GAMBIER v MILLICENT
THE Saints travel to Vansittart Park for a Round 3 meeting with North Gambier under lights this Saturday.
The twilight clash looms as the match of the round as the hosts look to weigh up against the reining premiers.
North was unable to quell the Roos last week, but came off a shortened turnaround after the Anzac Day season opener.
Now with a full week’s rest, the Tigers will regroup for another challenge.
Their new defensive mindset paid dividends in Round 1 against South Gambier and the back six will be looked to again.
There is no shortage of experience down there, with the likes of Jake Schutz, Jordan Hollitt and Sam Zeitz running a tight ship.
They will have to be at their best against Millicent’s fast ball movement and Jacob Carger in particular will need to be denied any forward deliveries.
The Saints’ captain has booted six goals in both rounds so far and shows no signs of slowing down.
Youngster Jaxon Cushion is another viable option up forward, while Kade Varcoe comes out of the midfield with an accurate boot.
Last week it was another young-gun in Josh Werchon who impressed, while coach Clint Gallio also carries form into Round 3.
The list goes on for the Saints and despite losing a couple of stars in the off-season they appear set to sit at the pointy end again this year.
Against South last week it came down to the final quarter, where a huge 46-point output left the Demons stunned.
Millicent will look for a strong start to prevent the game from hanging in the balance, but will face a tough opposition.
The Tigers shut South down in the first half of the Anzac Day game and will look for a similar tactic this week.
Cameron Ortlepp and Nick McInerney have been in dangerous form through the midfield, while Mitchell Kelton comes off a best-on-ground performance in the ruck.
Sam Stafford remains the most reliable target in attack and kicked three goals last week against West, but once he dials in his accuracy Toby de Wit could be equally as prolific.
The likes of Hamish Telford, Josh Jenner and Brett Shepherdson – to name a few – can always be relied on to give their best.
If both teams bring their best it will be an arm wrestle to the end.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 4.45pm.
