James Murphy
ALL eyes will be on McLaughlin Park this weekend when Millicent hosts South Gambier for a Western Border Football League grand final rematch.
The Saints enter the bout as reigning premiers, having emerged victorious in the 2021 title decider.
However, there will be little between the teams again this year, as both have solid pre-seasons behind them.
Millicent has lost powerhouse forward Gene Robinson, but gained some familiar faces back to the club.
Tom Hutchesson is an exciting inclusion and will be sure to make an immediate impact through the middle of the ground.
The likes of Dylan Bromley and Sam Waring are also solid recruits.
Clint Gallio returns to the helm and will be another influential presence around the ground, while youngsters Kade Varcoe, Josh Werchon and Frazer Bradley are all expected to reach new heights this year.
The grand final went the way of the Saints by 35 points in the end and was a positive finish to a consistent season.
Jacob Charger earned the best-on-ground honours for the victors and it will be interesting to see how he backs himself up in the season opener.
On the other side of the coin, South young-gun Todd Reid will be dangerous again this season.
He has gone from strength to strength in recent seasons and compliments a solid list sculpted across several years of rebuilding.
The Demons will be led well by dangerous forward and coach Brayden Kain, while the inclusion of players such as Josh Woodall, Hamish Stevens and James Paprotny will bring talent and leadership experience to the club.
It all shapes up to be a thrilling contest and will provide an idea of how the top two teams shape up in 2022.
