Mistakes proved costly for Werribee Tigers in the VFL match against Collingwood at Avalon Airport Oval on Saturday.
With both sides equal on points going in to the game a win was vital for both, firstly to cement a place in the top eight and secondly to push for the top four.
The Magpies got the jump early, kicking five goals to two in the first quarter to open up a handy 20-point gap.
And that proved to be the difference, with the Tigers getting no closer than 14 points at the other breaks.
With the teams going goal for goal in the final quarter, the Magpies did enough to win 13.10 (88)-9.5 (59).
Tigers coach John Lamont said there was one clear difference between the two sides.
“We had enough of the ball in damp conditions but there were too many mistakes” he told Star Weekly.
“Our error rate was too high.
“They got off to a reasonable start and we couldn’t peg them back.
“We needed a bit more composure with the footy and to stick to the game plan with a bit more diligence when under pressure.”
Lamont said the game was very similar to their loss against Sandringham, when the Tigers were wasteful with the ball after quarter-time.
“Overall our baseline effort was good and we had enough of the ball,” he said.
“Error rate is the main issue.”
North Melbourne-listed defender Lachie Hansen was the best for the Tigers in his first game back from injury.
“It was his first game after suffering concussion in round five,” Lamont said. “We’ve been conservative with him as he has a history of concussion.
“I think they [North Melbourne] will give him at least another week in the reserves unless there are injuries in the seniors.
“He did everything he could, but North Melbourne is in great shape.”
Corey Wagner, who kicked three goals, Trent Dumont, and Thomas Gribble were the other Tigers players to star on Saturday.
The Tigers are set to make at least three changes for this weekend’s clash with Richmond.
Jake Wilson, Matt Hanson and Michael Sodomaco will return after being rested against the Magpies.
“The three guys who played in the VFL [representative] game will come back into the side,” Lamont said.
“It was a management decision to rest them.
“It’s a long year and we want to be as fresh as possible.
“I stick by the decision to rest them even though we lost … we’re looking at the big picture.”
With the Tigers now sitting outside the top eight, a win is vital to stay in touch.
“It’s massively important with a really even competition,” Lamont said.
“Richmond had bad losses in both the seniors and reserves and I reckon there will be a fair bit of resolve out of them to play well this week.
“It’s a real danger game.”
