James Murphy
NORTH GAMBIER v MILLICENT
THIS week’s Western Border football match of the round will have North Gambier host Millicent in a battle between first and third.
The Saints enter the clash hot off a convincing win at home against South Gambier, while the Tigers fell to second-placed West Gambier in a Round 12 thriller.
At the final siren just three points were the difference after a gutsy four-quarter arm wrestle.
Millicent currently sits on top of the premiership table with only percentage separating it from the second-placed West.
A loss to the Roos in Round 10 tightened things up at the top end and the Saints will be eager to prove themselves against the rising Tigers.
Millicent playing coach Clint Gallio and young-gun midfielder Kade Varcoe will return to the fold this week after SA Country commitments had them playing at Perth’s Optus Stadium last round.
They will inject intensity around the contest, while another young talent in Harry Tunkin carries red-hot form into the clash.
He helped fill the midfield gap last week in a best-on-ground performance and could be in for another blinder.
The likes of Jacob Carger and Josh Werchon were also ball magnets against South and will be ones to watch again, while Frazer Bradley continues to feature prominently in the Saints’ highlight reel each week.
His presence up forward and in the air never goes unnoticed, while down the other end brother Kade Bradley is a driving force off the half back line.
Millicent held the Demons goalless until the final quarter on the weekend and will search for a similar ferocity when visiting the Tigers.
However, North should be a harder nut to crack despite losing to South just two rounds ago.
The return of Sam Stafford buoyed the side last week, while the likes of Sam Zeitz and Bradley Adams also slotted back into the team.
If last week’s nail-biter against the Roos is anything to go by, North is well in the race come the post season.
The match hung in the balance until the final siren and proved the Tigers are capable against a top-two side.
Regardless, they are yet to defeat Millicent or West this campaign and will view this weekend as a chance to make a statement.
Stafford will be as dangerous as ever, while the likes of Nick McInerney, Jake Schutz and Jordan Hollitt come off solid outings.
Youngster Darcy Arthurson impressed last round and could be called on again, while Mitchell Kelton will be relied on in the ruck as he matches up on Finn Grimes and Sam Waring.
Millicent holds the edge heading into the round, but this is purely based off track record.
Whatever the result, a good battle is expected in what should be an entertaining match.
