James Murphy
NORTH GAMBIER v EAST GAMBIER
MUCH like its 2022 campaign, North Gambier has so far been unable to topple a top-two side.
The Tigers will not be presented with an opportunity to do so this week, but will have a chance to bounce back from Saturday’s loss to Millicent when they host a winless East Gambier.
However, despite the Bulldogs’ ladder placing, they should not be taken for granted.
They come off a narrow 10-point loss to second-placed West Gambier in the wet, while last time they played North it took the full four quarters to shake them off.
The Tigers will not take their opponent lightly, but should be confident in their ability.
Sam Stafford is having another standout year and he leads the attack well.
He carries red-hot form into the round with consecutive best-on-ground performances and is sure to be one to watch again.
Nick Lock may be given the task of keeping him quiet, but East defenders will have their hands full with a strong attacking lineup at North.
Dale Bachmann, Tyler Christopherson and Toby de Wit have all had their moments in the spotlight, but the latter two were absent last round due to injury and basketball commitments.
Any team with the likes of Nick McInerney, Brett Shepherdson and Hamish Telford running through the middle can never be taken lightly and the Bulldogs will need to be at their best.
East has its own talent and while it relies heavily on its youth again this season, the experience from the likes of Carl Slape, Mark Rumbelow, Jake Dowdy and John Forster steadies the ship.
Laughlan Brooker had a solid game last week and top-scored against the Roos with three goals.
He will look for a similar performance this weekend, particularly if conditions remain wet.
Giancarlo Cooper also found his feet in the soggy conditions, while Lock and Forster led the solid performance.
A tough battle could unfold, but the Tigers should have the edge on their home deck.
