James Murphy
WEST GAMBIER v CASTERTON SANDFORD
IN the last round of Western Border football, West Gambier put an end to Millicent’s undefeated run with a gutsy first quarter setting up the 18-point win.
Following a week off for Country Championships, the Roos are back on their home deck again for a Round 11 meeting with Casterton Sandford.
They will be favoured for a good win, having accounted for the Cats comfortably in their previous two encounters.
In those matches both Andrew Stone and Jordan Williams were top performers.
Unfortunately for the Cats, the duo come off impressive outings against the Saints as well and should carry form into the clash.
Throw West’s deep talent pool into the mix and the home team should be in for another percentage-booster, despite some injury concerns over recent rounds.
Stone was best on ground last round, while Williams’ four goals had him feature highly as well.
Kyle and Ethan Giddings impressed also and the brothers are having good seasons at Malseed Park.
From a leadership point of view coach Daron McElroy leads by example, while Tom Holmes has also shown his ability to rally the troops.
The Cats will put up a fight, but with the likes of Jesse Pfitzner and Brandon Newton leading the defensive line, they will be met by plenty of resistance.
Young-gun Adam McKinnon comes off a four-goal haul for the Victorians and he could be one to watch again, while Hamish and Alistair McCrae have also been focal points up forward.
Michael Krieger is having a solid year in his debut season as a Cat and enters the round off a best-on-ground performance against North Gambier.
Diarmid Cleary and Dylan Ayton have been consistently among Casterton Sandford’s best, while Jarrod O’Brien has been another to watch over recent rounds across the backline.
Currently the Cats sit two wins clear in fourth place with four wins.
They will be eager for another victory to keep the Demons at bay heading into the post season, but it is unlikely it will come this week.
