The Werribee Tigers produced a massive comeback against a valiant Frankston outfit at Frankston Park to take their winning streak to three games as Nick Duxson reports.
Early turnovers by foot and hand cost Werribee dearly, as the Dolphins forward line took advantage – Michael Lourey and Tom Purcell proving a headache.
“They jumped out of the blocks, but it wasn’t panic stations by any means,” Tigers coach Scott West said.
“We probably had just as many inside 50s early, but we were going too shallow, and not taking our chances going in, and they converted.”
Jake Wilson was moved onto Lourey limiting his influence, and simultaneously Scott Sherlock, Robbie Castello and Brett Meredith began to exert their influence, rebounding from defense.
The home side led by 33 points early in the second quarter, before the Tigers clicked into gear, reducing the margin to just two goals at the major break.
The highlight was Ben Brown’s spectacular mark-of-the-year contender – climbing on the head of his Frankston opponent, before coolly kicking truly.
The Tigers came out inspired after the break kicking seven goals in succession.
Ben McKinley found himself on a wing, while Levi Greenwood showed his class.
West said McKinley was predominantly a forward as a North Melbourne player but now will be given more freedom to move around the ground.
“We’ve got the ability to play him where we see fit. Playing as a taller wingman, he’s going to be invaluable moving into the next part of the season.”
Warren added goals number five and six for himself, while Jacob Graham and Sherlock saved certain goals on the line, to halt a third quarter resurgence from the Dolphins. The Tigers lost Ayden Kennedy, who was assisted off, due to an ankle injury.
Frankston kicked the first two goals of the final quarter as the bongo drums and trumpet re-emerged from their third term silence.
Enter Ben Warren, with a diving mark on the line and his seventh goal, then interceping a kick-out for his eighth, and being gifted a ninth, to put the result beyond doubt.
Scott West was impressed. “Ben was outstanding. To be honest, I didn’t even know he kicked that many. I think you get caught up in the game. Then all of a sudden he’s kicked six, then seven, then eight and nine. Obviously it was a magnificent effort again.”
Werribee’s experience and fitness shone through, Jordan Gysberts finishing with 24 disposals, and the tireless Jarred Moore collecting 23 touches, plus nine clearances and six tackles.
West also praised the work of inexperienced ruck duo Will Sullivan and Darcy Fort.
“Darcy Fort was our 23rd player today, he’s been doing a wonderful job and I thought Will rucked well all day.”
With the game over, preparations have already begun for next week – with three players doing running drills on the ground post-match.
“Obviously we’re coming into a part of the season where we need to get some conditioning into blokes and this is all part of it.”
Last Modified on 09/06/2013 20:58