The Werribee Tigers consolidated their top four spot with a hard fought 9-point win over Bendigo Bombers at Avalon Airport Oval last Saturday as Ben Carbonaro.
With Prime Minister Julia Gillard - who is also the Club Patron - watching on, the Tigers got off to a solid start with good ball movement around the ground. There was some cause for concern, as the home team scored three goals from nine shots, but disciplined work in the back half ensured Werribee led by 10 points at quarter time.
Werribee came out firing, playing a more attacking brand of football during the second quarter. Cleaner delivery of the ball by foot into the forward line gave the Tigers a handy 16-point lead at the main break, despite Bendigo gaining the early advantage in the term.
The third quarter was almost Werribee’s undoing as they allowed Bendigo to kick four goals to one and gain the momentum. A number of costly errors and general inability to use the football allowed the Bombers to pounce and score some much needed goals. The stage was set for an enthralling quarter as the visitors led by 3 points.
An impassioned plea for improvement from Tigers coach Paul Satterley worked, as the home team returned to play some attacking and consistent football. Despite the Bombers hitting the front at the 15 minute mark of the final term via a 50 metre Matt Little major, three in a row to Werribee sealed the game – including a two bounce, long run and goal to Majak Daw after gaining possession in the middle of Avalon Airport Oval. The six goal to four final quarter set up the win and consolidated a top four ladder position for the Tigers.
Satterley was pleased with the win, especially the fightback shown in the final quarter.
“They were all over us in the third quarter, they probably could have been further in front and we didn’t want the game to turn into junk time footy,” he said.
“We had a bit of a resilience and persistence, really pleased to finish with a win against a team that smacked us earlier in the year.”
Ben McKinley kicked five goals in an improved personal performance for the Tigers and North Melbourne’s Ben Ross (28 disposals, 2 goals) was best for his outstanding midfield performance. Nathan Grima (20 disposals, 7 spoils) was solid as part of Werribee’s back six, Travis Tuck (23 disposals) was a valuable forward line contributor and Jamie Macmillan (18 disposals) was very effective running off half back.
First-year player Ariel Steinberg kicked four goals in a promising performance and Nathan Lovett-Murray (23 disposals) was best for the Bombers.
Werribee have a bye this week before travelling to Casey Fields to take on the Casey Scorpions whilst Bendigo face Collingwood at Victoria Park on Saturday.
Last Modified on 10/08/2011 15:17