By Lance Jenkinson
www.werribeebanner.com.au
It's a tad early for Werribee Tigers supporters to be posing the question: 'James who?'.
But the temptation would be there after witnessing the Tigers new-look twin-tower forwards Marty Pask and Nathan Thompson tear the Bendigo Bombers defence to shreds under lights in the Victorian Football League at Barter Card Oval on Saturday night.
The two power forwards commanded a presence as the Tigers annihilated the visitors by 54 points in front of a massive crowd.
The pre-season question over whether the Tigers could successfully replace replace the departed James Podsiadly - former captain, reigning Liston Medallist and the club's No.1 power forward - was answered with a resounding 'yes'.
Pask, a one-time Western Bulldogs and Brisbane Lions-listed key position tall, snared six goals with one blemish, and Thompson, a champion full-forward with Hawthorn and North Melbourne in a distinguished AFL career, booted four straight.
Tigers captain Dominic Gleeson felt confident delivering the ball inside forward 50.
"It helps when you have something to look for," he told the Banner. "Now to have two up there is super."
The Tigers were hampered in their last practice match against the Box Hill Hawks by inaccurate shooting for goal in a game they would lose by less than a kick. Straight shooters Pask and Thompson booted 10.1 between them against the Bombers to ensure wayward goalkicking would not be a factor on this occasion.
"It definitely helps when you can kick straight," Gleeson said.
"Just to convert our opportunities was a big bonus for us."
It was a historic occasion as Chirnside Park lit up for premiership points for the first time. The Tigers were inspired by the big crowd and burst out to a 17-point quarter-time lead, which stretched to 38 by the long break. It was never in doubt for Simon Atkins' team as they went on to record a solid runaway win.
"It wasn't as easy as the scoreboard shows," Gleeson said.
"They were a fast moving side, but we counter-attacked them really well.
"We're happy with the win but you can't get too far ahead of yourself in this competition.
"It's only one win and there's plenty more work to go."
Exciting young rookie Will Martinello made it a triple-threat for the Tigers in attacking 50.
The Murray Bushrangers' recruit from the TAC Cup was a constantly awaiting the crumbs at ground level and his persistence was rewarded with three goals on debut.
"He sneaked under the radar I think," Gleeson said. "I spoke to him after the game and obviously he was happy with it and wouldn't be in his first game?"
Small, crumbing forwards are in vogue at the elite level of the game. Martinello showed the worth of a quality goal-sneak.
"He worked hard, presented well and got front and square," Gleeson said. "He made his own opportunities which is exactly what our forward line wanted.
"We need that - every team in the AFL has got one and we need one as well, a little sneaky forward."
Rebounding half-back Scott Howard was the Tigers best for the second week running.
The former Essendon rookie-listed player is ready for his best season at VFL level in a run-and-carry role.
"The last two games have given him that [confidence] and he's going to be a threat to every team we play now," Gleeson predicted.
Michael Barlow claimed team of the year honours on the half-forward flank last season, but the Tigers have found a new role for him as a midfielder. He used his tireless engine to rack up 29 possessions and provide important drive.
Kangaroos-listed ruckman Todd Goldstein gave first use to the Tigers with 30 hit-outs.
Another Roo, Daniel Harris, got his hands dirty at the base of the packs and, while it was far from a stand-out performance, "He is just a work horse," Gleeson praised. "He's someone that I'd love to play with all year but I don't think we will.
"He gets so many touches in and under and I don't think a lot of people respect that.
"His accountability against his opponent was sensational and I reckon he got seven or eight clearances. If everyone can take a page out of his group that would be great."
The Tigers will face great rivals Williamstown in the western derby at Burbank Oval in Point Gellibrand on Sunday.
The first bounce is at 1.10pm due to ABC television's commitment to telecast it live.
If the weather is fine a bumper crowd is expected as two of last season's top-four go head-to-head.
Last Modified on 22/04/2009 17:22