James Murphy
SOUTH GAMBIER v WEST GAMBIER
THE Demons were denied a win at home in wet conditions last round and will search for an improved result this week.
However, after kicking a single goal against fourth-placed Casterton Sandford, this Saturday’s meeting with second-placed West Gambier looms as an even greater challenge.
The state of the playing surface could be a factor again, with limited time to recover from the muddiness caused on the weekend.
South has just the one win after eight rounds and will be desperate to boost this number before the season is done, especially after finishing minor premiers in 2022.
There have been good patches for the Demons, who field a younger lineup again this year, but they have not been able to translate those into winning scores.
That could not have been more evident than in their last encounter with the Roos.
An onslaught at Malseed Park had West triumph by 85 points in a class display.
Since then the Roos have continued to shine, with the only blemish against an undefeated Millicent outfit.
However, if there was a chance for South to claim the scalp of this season’s most-improved team, it would be now.
West had a close call against a winless East Gambier last week in the wet, with injuries and the conditions weighing heavily.
Player availability will be another concern this week, with coach Daron McElroy and gun recruit Brandon Newton both sent to hospital with injuries last round.
They join the likes of Lawry Bradley-Brown and Joe Ferguson-Lane who were already under injury clouds.
However, the return of Todd Lewis last week will cover McElroy’s absence in the ruck and he will team up with Braiden Ousey to earn the Roos first use.
Tom Holmes was up to the task last week and was valuable in his leadership and skills with ball in hand.
Brody Virgo put in a solid performance for his new club, while Jesse Pfitzner stood tall down back.
The Demons have looked to their young guns of late and Mitchell Sims comes off a best-on-ground performance.
They took some confidence from a hearty effort against Millicent in Round 7, led by youngster Elliott Fisher who bagged three goals.
The likes of Mitchell Harrold, Jed Sims and Alex Harkness have also showcased their skills in recent rounds, with a whole-team performance required this week if South is to find itself back on the winner’s list.
There remains plenty of talent at West’s disposal even when depleted and the Roos should still enter the match as favourites for the win.
