The Werribee Tigers have chalked up their second win for the season, demolishing Collingwood on their home soil at Victoria Park last Saturday as Brendan Lucas reports.
From start to finish Werribee had all the class and seemingly all the answers, despite the challenges that came their way, they amassed 25 goals to win by 90 points.
The first quarter saw the Tigers pile on six goals, as their intensity set the trend for the game, however to the Pies credit, late quarter goals kept them in the hunt at the first change.
Ben Warren led the way for the Tigers for much of the day through the middle, whilst ex-Kangaroo Leigh Harding also provided pace and hard running all day.
Collingwood’s inability to use the ball effectively, constantly overusing it through handball in the second quarter was a reflection of Werribee’s strong defensive efforts and forward press. A running goal to Harding late in the quarter put a dint in Collingwood’s hope of a revival. At half time Werribee lead by 32 points.
Werribee also had a number of good targets up forward all day, with ex-Eagles and current Kangaroos forward Ben McKinley kicking five, and small forward Robbie Castello also put five to his name in an impressive display.
Two late goals through John McCarthy and Scott Reed late in the third quarter gave Collingwood a sniff at three quarter time, chasing a 41- point deficit, despite Werribee dominating the play.
Werribee Coach Paul Satterley told his players simply at the last change to get the job done.
“We have 30 minutes to pick up the speed and movement, don’t overuse the ball, shut your opponent down and get on with it,” he said.
The AFL’s first drafted Sudanese player Majak Daw provided the highlight for Werribee in the last term, after having a blistering run from half back taking on a few Pies players to kick an exciting 55 metre goal, that got all football fans watching on in amazement.
This went on to spur a massive eight-goal term, to seal the crushing defeat of the Pies.
John McCarthy finished with 22 disposals for the Pies, although his stats count was no reflection on his impact on the game. Coach Tarkyn Lockyer told The Age on Sunday ''he probably didn't have the same effect that we wanted from his talent''.
''He's around the mark. As demonstrated over the last few weeks, he can play forward, back and mid. He's probably around about the mark for senior selection so his progress has been pleasing,'' Lockyer said.
Collingwood forward Brad Dick had 15 disposals for the day, but was kept goalless for the game by Tiger Steven Kennedy, and it will be doubtful that he will push for senior selection this week.
For Werribee, captain Dom Gleeson chalked up 35 disposals and was amongst the Tigers best.
Collingwood will face Bendigo this weekend at Windy Hill, whilst Werribee will fight it out with North Ballarat at the Avalon Airport Oval.
Last Modified on 18/04/2011 15:39