Match report by Daniel Paproth
In cold, blustery conditions Werribee further pushed their case as serious final contenders with a thrilling five-point win over Frankston, an amazing last quarter proving the difference.
There was plenty at stake for the Tigers, who were spanked by the Dolphins earlier in the year by 96 points, and despite a poor second quarter were able to turn it on in the last in James Podsiadly’s 100th game for the Tigers.
In a see-sawing first term Werribee edged ahead, kicking five goals, though the Frankston forwards kicked a few late ones to keep themselves in the game. With Podsiadly firing up forward and the North Melbourne influence helping out the Tigers, it looked as if Werribee might run away, but it was not to be.
The second quarter saw the Dolphins get on top through Troy Conroy, and Justin Berry and the Tigers could barely get their hands on the ball.. Despite Dean Limbach’s six goals, the 31-point lead could have been even bigger had the Dolphins been able to convert.
The few Frankston fans who braved the hour-long trip down to Werribee were in full voice as the Dolphins were slick in moving the ball. A small scuffle before half-time did nothing to dull the tense feelings between the two teams, and the third quarter was split evenly between the two sides, though the Tigers reduced the margin by a few points.
But not even the most optimistic of fans could have predicted what was to happen in the final half an hour.
Inspired by a passionate Simon Atkins at three-quarter time, Werribee came out and booted eight goals to two in an unbelievable final term, with captain James Podsiadly and Kangaroo Leigh Brown untouchable. Podsiadly sent the crowd into raptures with five goals and 14 marks, whilst Brown had five goals, six clearances and 17 hitouts in the absence of Lachlan MacKinnon and Roo team mate Todd Goldstein.
Jess Sinclair was again scintillating with 31 touches, with Matt Riggio and Ben Davies adding flair with 56 touches between them.
For the Dolphins, Conroy continued to play well against Werribee with 28 disposals and seven clearances, whilst Berry was again productive with 19 possessions.
Werribee face a tough challenge next week up against the in-form Casey but the bandwagon is now beginning to steamroll.
Werribee 5.4 5.8 8.11 16.12 (108) defeated
Frankston 4.3 10.9 13.10 15.13 (103)
Goals –
Frankston – Limbach 6, Lourey, Murray 2, Conroy, Collins, Berry, Morris, Marigliani.
Best –
Frankston – Limbach, Conroy, Berry, Dickson, Dunne, Gabriel.
Werribee – Podsiadly, Brown, Obst, Gleeson, Rockefeller, Davies, Sinclair.Werribee – Podsiadly, Brown 5, Riggio, Greenwood, Barlow, Rockefeller, Gleeson, Henderson.
Last Modified on 14/07/2008 02:03