By Ben Carbonaro
Geelong and Werribee played out a nail-biter at Skilled Stadium, with the Cats emerging six point winners.
Former Werribee favourite son James Podsiadly truned it on against his old side, steering through six goals in a fantastic display.
For goals to two in the first quarter suggested that Werribee would have too much class for the winless Cats. But Geelong kept itself in the game thanks to some good defending and midfield drive in particular from Ben Raidme (35 disposals).
Defensive pressure can sometimes cost sides in last quarters and the Cats defenders restricted the Tigers forwards, especially Marty Pask who missed several crucial shots at goal.
However, Pask did against performance consistently by booting three handy goals and although his three misses were costly, there were other reasons why the Tigers were unable to hold on.
Tigers coach Simon Atkins felt a lack of composure cost his charges in the last quarter.
"We got a lot of the footy just didn't use it properly," he said.
"We didn't react under pressure and our composure was out."
Geelong's Tom Lonergan had another great game, booting four goals while Ryan Gamble and Nathan Djerrkura both put their hands up for AFL seelction.
Werribee's best was Michael Barlow (36 disposals, 7 tackles, 3 blocks) backed up his good midfield performance with another, as he roamed all over the ground and attacked the ball with great vigour.
Atkins thought that Barlow's use of the football was much better compared to the previous game, but believes there is still room for improvement.
"It was better than last week, that's all I say," he said.
"He can get better than that."
Tigers skipper Dom Gleeson (23 disposals, 9 tackles, 2 blocks) was again superb with his defensive pressure and won praise from Atkins.
With Todd Goldstein selected in the North Melbourne side, this paved the way for Liam Gardiner to make a return to senior football after missing much of last season with an ankle injury.
Rotating with North Melbourne-listed Alan Obst, Gardiner racked up 15 hit-outs in a serviceable game that also included some great defensive work around the ground.
The Werribee Reserves played Box Hill on Sunday, with the Tigers getting up by five points.
Geelong 2.1 8.4 12.5 15.8 (98)
| Werribee Tigers 4.7 8.10 11.12 13.14 (92)
GOALS:Geelong: Podsiadly 6 Lonergan 4 Hunt Varcoe Djerrkura Donohue Moles
Werribee Tigers: Pask 3 Martiniello 2 Bongetti 2 Kennedy 2 Adams 2 Wright Gleeson
BEST:Geelong: Gamble Podsiadly Djerrkura Raidme Laidler Gillies
Werribee Tigers: Barlow Obst Rockefeller Wright Martiniello Gleeson
Last Modified on 11/05/2009 10:52