James Murphy
SOUTH GAMBIER v NORTH GAMBIER
SOUTH Gambier will be hoping for third time lucky when it hosts cross-town rival North Gambier at Blue Lake Sports Park this Saturday.
The Demons have fallen to the Tigers in both hitouts this year, but pushed their opponent to the line in the Round 6 clash.
They led at every change, but a rampant North lifted in the final quarter to steal the honours.
Since then South has won its second game for the year, while the Tigers have added two and hold a firm grasp on third place on the ladder.
North’s most recent win came last round against Casterton Sandford, with a strong team performance too much to handle for the home team.
Tyson Christopherson put in a best-on-ground performance on the day, while an even contribution in front of goal kept the Cats guessing.
Sam Stafford currently leads the league goal kicking with 32 for the season and he will be targeted heavily by the South defence.
His presence both inside 50 and further up the ground is influential, joined by the likes of Christopherson, Nick McInerney and Cameron Ortlepp – to name but a few.
Ruckman Mitchell Kelton has been in good form as well and as a whole the Tigers are well enforced in all areas on the ground.
On the other side of the match-up, South finds itself in a rebuilding phase and is heavily reliant on its youth.
It is not an unfamiliar position for the side, which has been bolstered by young-guns for many seasons.
After a couple of weeks in Reserves, Demons stalwart Brett O’Neil made his 2023 A Grade debut last round.
He did so in impressive style, with a four-goal haul in South’s hard-fought win over East.
His experience is a welcome inclusion to the team and he has been a game changer on more than one occasion throughout his decorated career.
Young talents Hugh Winterfield, Mitchell Sims and Rex Jones joined him among the best on the day and the trio have appeared consistently among the top performers this season.
Brayden Kain will be eager to push his Demons to another victory, with a finals berth still not entirely out of the picture.
However, the Tigers hold the edge heading into the round and should continue to build on their way towards the post season.
