Tigers ramp up pre-season with second successive win
Werribee had its second preseason win with a hard-fought 24 point victory over local rivals Williamstown.
Tigers coach John Lamont was pleased with his side’s efforts, attributing an even contribution from all players as a major positive in the win.
“I thought that there was a good even spread in both grades, with blokes being disciplined and team orientated”.
Lamont was particularly pleased with his side’s willingness to run out the game, which was even more significant given Williamstown fielded an extra four players than the Tigers.
Werribee was reduced to just 22 players early in the first quarter as a result of an injury to Trent Shinners, and so the Tigers fitness and discipline were a shining light for Lamont.
The game began in a very open and fluent fashion, with both sides going end to end on numerous occasions. Williamstown made the most of their chances, booting three goals straight to take a three point lead into quarter time.
After admitting to giving his players a bit of a “cook” at quarter-time, Lamont felt his side “really responded well in the second quarter,” referencing his sides willingness to win the contested ball, and a more aggressive mindset than was shown the first quarter.
A first up goal to Nathan Laracy began a six consecutive goal streak for the Tigers, with Ben Warren (2), Addam Maric, Ben Brown and Leigh Adams all contributing to the Tigers run on. Werribee took a 28 point lead into half-time.
Both sides came out firing in the third quarter, with a bit of a dust-up between the two sides. The match went goal for goal, until two late goals from Ben Warren and Addam Maric gave the Tigers a 23 point lead going into the last quarter.
Williamstown were sparked at the three quarter time break and kicked the first two goals of the term, closing the Werribee lead to just 13 points. Werribee were able to steady, and after a tense last quarter which saw Williamstown threaten early on, some late brilliance by Majak Daw saw Werribee seal the game, finishing with consecutive goals to run out 24 point winners.
Impressing for the Tigers for a second week running was Tom Gribble with 24 possessions who was “soild through the middle” according to Lamont, while Jye Bolton (21), Jobi Harper (21 and a goal) also contributed well to the Werribee midfield.
Ben Warren was the standout forward on the ground with four goals, while Addam Maric chipped in with three.
Lamont also credited the return of Jared Moore for his first hit-out of the year
“He’s as hard as dog’s forehead,” he joked.
“Bulldog (Moore) needed the run no doubt about that. He did some good things, and he is an important link for us because he’s a development coach at North Melbourne.We adopt most of the North Melbourne game-plan, so he brings a bit of insight into that. Obviously he won our best and fairest last year, and is a terrific bloke around the club who provides great leadership.”
Werribee 2.3.15 8.6.54 13.7.85 15.10.100
Williamstown 3.0.18 4.2.26 10.2.62 12.4.76
Goals Werribee- Ben Warren 4, Addam Maric 3, Leigh Adams 2, Jobi Harper, Majak Daw, Nathan Laracy, Scott Sherlock, Kayne Turner.
In the Development League, the Tigers went down to the Seagulls by 22 points, losing 4.14.38 to 8.12.60.
In what was a low-scoring affair, Werribee dominated much of the first half and took a 10 point lead into half-time. The Tigers were on top in many of the key statistical areas, including the possession count and inside 50’s, but were unable to convert their dominance onto the scoreboard.
The second-half produced a stunning comeback from Williamstown, who would go on to outscore the Tigers by seven goals to two in the half. Werribee were still dominating the possession count and the inside 50’s, but the Seagull’s pace on the break was proving to be extremely effective.
Impressing for the Tigers were Michael Sodomaco who was everywhere with 38 possessions, he was well supported by James Hussey (28 possessions) and Jacob Graham (24). New recruit Dylan Reid was also effective with 26 hitouts in the ruck, while his mobility around the ground was also eye-catching.
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Werribee 4.14.38
Williamstown 8.12.60
Last Modified on 11/03/2014 18:39