By Ben Carbonaro
Werribee coach Simon Atkins says his side was outplayed in tough conditions at Williamstown yesterday.
The Tigers were rattled to the tune of 66 points but Atkins did not use wind and rain as an excuse; instead he was critical of his players' commitment.
"The opposition played in the wind and rain and all that sort of stuff, I'm not blaming the conditions," he said.
"I just think the players didn't adjust and didn't come committed for the conditions."
North Melbourne-listed Daniel Harris amassed 29-disposals in the midfield in one of few strong performances.
Despite the good performance from Harris, Atkins emphasised the need for his team's structure to be addressed before next week's game against Box Hill.
"He really worked hard through the midfield, (he was probably) our most consistent midfielder," he said. "There are some other things we need to look (after) in our structures."
Skipper Dominic Gleeson (26 disposals), Michael Barlow (23 disposals) and Robbie Castello (16 disposals, 5 tackles) were relentless in their midfield pressure, but their efforts were not enough to get the Tigers another win. North-Melbourne listed ruckman Todd Goldstein racked up 31 hit outs in another consistent performance that is certain his name up for AFL selection.
In the curtain-raiser, the Werribee Reserves lost a close encounter by seven points 9.14 (67) to 11.8 (74). Matt Riggio, Rhys Prismall and Nathan Black all kicked two goals each with Black also named best on ground. North Melbourne rookie Ben Speight played his first game in Tigers colours and impressed as a midfielder.
The Tigers seniors play an improved Box Hill Hawks at Chirnside Park on Sunday, with the first bounce scheduled for 2pm.
Last Modified on 28/04/2009 14:43