James Murphy
WEST GAMBIER v NORTH GAMBIER
PLENTY of interest will be given to the West Gambier and North Gambier clash at Malseed Park this Saturday.
The Roos and Tigers sit level on wins – also equal with South Gambier – having won six of their 10 outings across the 2024 season.
North enters off a loss to Millicent, where a slow first half cost it in the end.
West on the other hand defeated wooden-spooner East Gambier last round, albeit in a low-scoring and scrappy affair.
The Roos will look to up the scoring output in what should be finer conditions this weekend, while the Tigers will be out to replicate their Round 6 result.
In that clash North defeated West by 31 points, with playing co-coach Nick McInerney best on ground.
Mitchell Kelton was another highlight for the Tigers and he will be out to impress in the ruck again, while goals were shared around.
The inclusion of Sam Stafford back into the forward line has bolstered North since then, which could spell trouble for the Roos.
However, West’s defence is solid and the likes of Lewis Lean and Brandon Newton have been having good seasons.
Lawry Bradley-Brown is always one to watch and he has had some strong outings in recent rounds.
He was also best on ground in that Round 6 game, while Lean and Newton also stood tall.
Braiden Ousey comes off a strong ruck performance and he will be leaned on again especially if playing coach Daron McElroy remains absent from the field.
Across the board both teams are well matched, with a good mix of young talent as well.
West has certainly started to piece things together after a sluggish start to the year, but again the Tigers will enter as slight favourites.
