Western suburbs arch-rivals Williamstown and Werribee will do battle for the first time in 2013 this weekend at Burbank Oval. Nick Duxson previews the Western Derby.
Both sides have been touted early as premiership contenders this year, and while its still early days in the Peter Jackson VFL, some big recruits and early results make it likely these two sides will still be going at it in September.
Werribee’s run-and-carry style football has been successful to date, while Williamstown’s short, precise kicking was a highlight of their win over Coburg.
Conditions
It wouldn’t be Burbank Oval without a strong, cold breeze coming off the water – something the home side will be more than used to by now. 18 degrees is the prediction, with no rain forecast.
Form Guide
Williamstown – WL – The Seagulls were pipped by only eight points by reigning premiers Geelong in Round one, and responded by smashing Coburg in every department, recording a huge 100-point win on ABC TV Saturday.
Werribee – WLW – The Tigers fought their way back onto the winners list with a hard fought eight point win over Collingwood last Saturday night, after a close loss to the Blues and a massive win against the Borough.
Last Meeting
Round 17, 2012 – Burbank Oval - Williamstown 14.7.91 def Werribee 13.11.89.
The Seagulls stole it in the last quarter, after the Tigers had led at every break. Ben McKinley starred with five goals for the visitors, while Liam Jones kicked three and was alongside Bulldogs recruit Brett Goodes in Williamstown’s best.
The Key Match Ups
Ben Warren kicked 11 goals in his first hit-out, but has been well held since then – and Williamstown will have a few candidates down back to take that role: Markovic, Austin or Tom Williams could be given the big job.
Daniel Currie will need to shoulder the ruck duties with Majak Daw finally called up to North Melbourne for his senior debut. Currie will battle ex-Pies Cameron Wood in the ruck, a battle vitally important to give their respective midfielders first use of the pill.
The centre of the ground will be a battle between Seagulls’ warrior Ben Jolley and Tigers’ clearance king Jarred Moore. Both teams will be hoping for quick movement into the forward arcs.
The Young Guns
For the Tigers, Luke McDonald had a quiet game on the weekend after a stand out performance against the Blues, while VFL Academy member Jake Wilson was again superb down back.
Seagulls’ pocket-rocket Charlie Nastasi booted four majors against Coburg, and new recruit Willie Wheeler has slotted in nicely down at Point Gellibrand.
Injury List
The Gulls’ line-up will be affected by the Bulldogs injuries – Shaun Higgins, Tory Dickson and Easton Wood all need replacing, with Stringer and Macrae amongst the likely AFL inclusions. A fractured fibula for Lin Jong means he will miss about 8 weeks.
Both the Tigers and Kangaroos escaped injury free from the weekend’s games, however Werribee will hope key defender Kris Pendlebury is not far away.
Prediction – Tigers by 14 points
Last Modified on 19/04/2013 09:19