By Ben Carbonaro
The Werribee Tigers opened their 2009 season with a 54-point win over Bendigo Bombers last Saturday night.
After much anticipation, a number of exciting new additions to the playing list and good form in practice matches, it was time for the Tigers to prove their worth.
Werribee cemented its dominance early, booting five goals to two in the first quarter as Bendigo struggled to keep up.
For the next the three quarters pace, slick skills and superb defending helped the Tigers to steam ahead against a Bombers outfit that were extremely disappointing.
Coach Simon Atkins praised the efforts of all his players saying the backline, midfield and forward line worked all together.
"Overall it was a really good, even spread," he said.
"Really happy with the back line I thought they were outstanding, our midfield really put some pressure on the opposition and our forward line were able to function well."
Michael Barlow continued where he left last year with 29-disposals in a new midfield role.
Atkins revealed that the small forward would be spending more time as a running midfielder and defender.
"Mick's progression is going to be in the midfield whereas last year it was predominately as a forward and we're also developing as a running backman.
"That gives us another avenue to be able to take midfielders back."
Marty Pask has returned to Bartercard Oval after playing in the VAFA competition last year and he booted six goals in his new role as a forward, after playing as a defender during his time at Chirnside Park in 2007.
North Melbourne-listed ruckmen Todd Goldstein put in a blistering performance as he accumulated 30 hit-outs, while the Bendigo ruck division had just 18 hit-outs between them.
In the curtain-raiser, the Werribee Reserves obliterated Bendigo with a 100-point demolition 23.20.158 to 8.10.58
Jarrod Mather put the disappointment of an injury ravaged season last year to kick six goals in a best on ground performance.
Ben Sharp put his hand up for senior selection with a 34 disposal performance in the midfield, while first-year players Steve Kennedy (26 disposals) and Travis Lunardi (24 disposals) also impressed.
The Tigers will take on Williamstown in another Western Derby contest at Burbank Oval on Sunday, with first bounce scheduled for 1.10pm.
Werribee Tigers 5.3 9.6 15.8 19.13 (127)
| Bendigo Bombers 2.4 3.4 8.6 11.7 (73)
GOALS:Werribee Tigers: Pask 6 Thompson 4 Martinello 3 Wright 2 Castello Rockefeller Henderson Goldstein
Bendigo Bombers: Bock 2 Atkinson 2 Bellchambers Jetta Magin Myers Harrison Carroll Scanlon
BEST:Werribee Tigers: Howard Barlow Goldstein Greenwood Pask Obst
Bendigo Bombers: Hooker Lonergan Scanlon Myers Flaherty Holmes
REPORTED PLAYERS:Werribee Tigers: Nil
Bendigo Bombers: Nil
Last Modified on 20/04/2009 12:29