Sunday will bring upon the battle of the west when local rivals Werribee Tigerand Williamstown compete at Avalon Airport Oval.
Over the last few years these two clubs have challenged one another in several tight matches. However, Williamstown have had Werribee’s measure in their last 7 encounters. This colourful history has been made even more significant due to the fact that Werribee have not beaten the Seagulls at home since Round 2, 2005.
Both Clubs enter their Round 6 contest on a high after inspiring wins last weekend.
Werribee Tigers Coach, Scott West attributes his team’s recent lift in performance to familiarity.
“I think it’s mainly due to the fact that we’re getting more games together as a group and really starting to understand how each other and move a lot better. The connections between players are really starting to show and I think when you get that, you play better team football.
West has taken confidence from their last round victory as they were able to rise to the occasion when pressure was applied by Geelong.
“We always knew that Geelong would come at as all game so it was really important not to take the foot off the pedal. The most pleasing part of the night was the fact they got back to within 3 points twice at stages and we were able to steady and kick away again. I think it showed both the ability to stay focused on the job without worrying about the score board and also the ability to run the game out.
When asked about his Club’s fruitless history against Williamstown, West responded graciously.
“Werribee Football Club and I have great respect for them and the way their coached and what they have been able to achieve. This will be a week where everyone in the team has to play their role every minute of the game for us to come out on top,” Scott West said.
Williamstown are placed 2nd on the Peter Jackson VFL Bailey Ladders ladder as they approach their game against Werribee. The Seagulls come off a strong win against Sandringham last weekend. Coach Peter German found the game to be a learning experience for the Club as well as confidence builder.
“As a club we were pleased that the side was able to gain the early ascendancy and played a hardnosed brand of football. We also learnt that we cannot slacken off in our intensity as good sides like Sandringham are going to keep on coming at you.
“The fact that we were able to kick the final 3 goals after Sandy were within 1 point at the 26 minute mark, speaks volumes for the character of our group.”
German was particularly impressed by several individuals on the day.
“The Club has been very pleased with the form of our leaders Jolley, Goodes, Lockwood, McNamara, Cravino and Carr and also the form of young Stephen Witkowski has been very impressive. A number of the young Bulldog boys are developing well and are staking their claim for AFL selection.”
Although Williamtown currently hold the wood over Werribee, the Club will not let this history cloud their motivation to win.
“Our squad in 2012 bears little resemblance to the sides that represented Williamstown in 2011. What we do expect every time we play Werribee is that it will be a fierce contest and we will have to bring our A grade game again this Sunday. Avalon Airport Oval is a good venue for VFL football and we look forward to the challenge of playing one of the highly rated sides in 2012.
When asked about finals and challenging Port Melbourne, Peter German played down any expectations.
“Our only focus at the moment is preparing for the challenge this Sunday against Werribee,” German said.
Although 7 rungs separate Williamstown and Werribee on the ladder, the result on Sunday is sure to be a tight one in the battle of the west.
Last Modified on 28/04/2012 18:35