The Werribee Tigers produced arguably their best performance for 2013, demolishing the in-form Casey Scorpions by 56 points in Multicultural Round at Avalon Airport Oval.
In slippery conditions, Werribee found themselves on the back foot early, as the visitors kicked the first three goals inside the opening five minutes of the game to hold a 19-point lead.
But the Tigers fought back, taking control of the game midway through the first quarter and asserting their authority with an unbelievable 10-goal second quarter.
Coach Scott West said it was firstly about stopping Casey’s momentum, but the way his side dominated the second quarter was particularly pleasing.
“About eight minutes into the game, I’m thinking what’s going on here. I reckon that was nearly the turning point in the game. Eight minutes in we probably got control of the game again, not (complete) control, but we stopped the flow a bit.
“They didn’t score again after that period, and the second quarter was terrific. That probably set the win up, but we had to stop their flow first, that was pleasing.”
Addam Maric stamped his authority on the contest, setting up a Jarrod Mather goal just before quarter time, before kicking the opening goal of the second term to level the scores.
Ben Brown also made his presence felt – both around the ground and up forward – collecting a low pass on the half-volley, before handballing to debutant Ashlin Brown, who snapped truly from across his body.
Scott Clouston, Ben Warren and Brett Meredith all kicked goals, as Casey struggled to penetrate beyond the centre circle.
Ben Ross, Scott Sherlock and Luke McDonald drove the ball inside 50, as a clever handball intercept and second effort from Sam Wright led to another goal.
“I thought even across our half-forward line, our defensive efforts to turn the ball over, in the middle part of the ground were very good, especially in that second and third quarter,” West said.
Maric slotted another two goals before half time – and he finished with five in a display that earned him best-on ground honours.
“He’s been good, he only needs five, six, seven, eight possessions to really be damaging. He kicked five and set a couple up, he was terrific today.”
With an eight-goal lead at the major break, the Tigers intensity did not let up at any point for the rest of the afternoon.
Majak Daw passed a concussion test – and with 19 disposals, a goal, and a half-century of hit outs, his influence was telling in a match dominated by stoppages.
“It was really important to him (Multicultural Round). He had a word to the boys before the game about what it meant to him, and how honoured he was that it was being recognized. He obviously has his motivations to play, and I thought he was terrific in the ruck today.”
Scott McMahon was also a welcome addition, returning from injury to join Clouston, Sherlock and Jake Wilson as important players in the back half.
“Our defenders did a good job, again Clouston down back, Wilson again, Sherlock, and having Scotty McMahon down there organising it is a huge bonus for us against a really good team.”
The Tigers will be hoping to continue their VFL winning streak next Sunday, when they travel to Coburg City Oval to take on the Coburg Tigers, while Casey returns home for a tough encounter with Essendon.
Article courtesy of Werribee FC
Photo: Jenny Owens
Last Modified on 15/07/2013 16:38