James Murphy
WEST GAMBIER v SOUTH GAMBIER
THERE will be plenty of intrigue surrounding what holds the potential to be match of the round in Limestone Coast football this weekend.
West Gambier hosts South Gambier for Round 2 and chances are it will be a much tighter contest than their meetings in 2023.
Reigning minor premier West is carrying a few injuries early in the season and may not have its full squad on the park until the second half of the season.
However, the Roos still have plenty of talent and will be eager to bounce back from a loss to Millicent last round.
Meanwhile, South has kickstarted its 2024 campaign in style, with a big win over East in Round 1 followed by an impressive victory over North Gambier on Anzac Day.
The Demons have shown they mean business and while it is still early in the season, they appear to have stepped things up a notch from last season.
Last round it took until after half time for South to bring the game onto its terms, which could provide an opening for West if it can come out firing from the first bounce.
A couple of changes at half time made the world of difference for the Demons on Anzac Day and they went onto outscore North six goals to two for the remainder of the game.
Jake Tentye excelled in an on-ball position during that time, while it was Mason Hein who kept the midfield fired up with his tireless work in the ruck and around the contest.
Hein won the Anzac Day Medal for his efforts, while the likes of young-guns Oliver Thomson and Harry Wright were rock solid in defence.
Rex Jones played a role on Tigers’ star forward Sam Stafford and could be handed a similar job this week.
Jordan Williams has been strong up forward for the Roos and will want to make his presence known again after a four-goal opening round.
Tom Holmes was West’s best against Millicent and he is always reliable in and around a contest, while coach Daron McElroy can be a game changer.
McElroy was rested last week and instructed his troops from the sidelines, but his inclusion could be the difference on the day.
Lawry Bradley-Brown, Braiden Ousey and Brandon Newton are others who have featured highly in the Roos’ top performers so far, but there is talent to spare across the entire playing list.
West would be the safe bet going into the round, but the Demons will be well and truly in the hunt and could see themselves sitting pretty at 3-0 after Round 3 if they play their cards right.
