James Murphy
MILLICENT v WEST GAMBIER
FOLLOWING yesterday’s Anzac Day clash between North Gambier and South Gambier, the second round of Limestone Coast football continues on Saturday with an anticipated meeting between Millicent and West Gambier.
The two teams were the heavyweights of the 2023 WBFL season and now look to make a statement in the inaugural year of the LCFNL.
Both teams enter the encounter off Round 1 wins, the margins of which differed greatly.
Millicent made short work of Casterton Sandford when claiming a 73-point win over the Cats at Island Park, while the Roos hosted North for a slim three-point victory.
West will hope for a more accurate outing this week, as it almost kicked itself out of the contest against the Tigers.
A wedding will have the Roos without some personnel, while a couple of injuries will also see a shuffle around.
However, the club seems to have plenty of depth and should put a strong side on the park regardless.
The Saints on the other hand have found themselves a young team again this year.
That is far from a negative and many of their youngsters are dual premiership players in the top grade.
Last round coach Tom Renzi and Jacob Carger were the only players on the field over the age of 23, with a list of those young talents filling the best players.
Kalan Shanks comes off a best-on-ground performance and he will be pivotal again in Millicent’s backline.
Brother Billy Shanks was another highlight, while Frazer Bradley top scored with five goals.
They will all be out to impress again, with the home crowd sure to be out in full force as the Saints host their first round of the year.
West looked to the ever-reliable Lawry Bradley-Brown last week for his tireless efforts on the ball.
Joined by Kalangadoo recruit Sam Casey and Michael Minuzzo as the top three performers, there was plenty of talent spread across the ground.
The Roos’ backline impressed against the Tigers and it seems to be another strength for the side this year.
Depending on who makes the trip, it will likely be an entertaining match-up, but the Saints should secure the points in the end.
