Tara Murray
Werribee continued its good form, this time knocking off the Gold Coast Suns in the grand final rematch in the Victorian Football League on Sunday.
The Tigers headed up to the Gold Coast to face the Suns, in one of their biggest tests of the season.
The Suns, who had a side of majority AFL-listed players, started the better of the sides and led by three points at quarter time.
Werribee took a seven point lead to half time and a nine point lead at the last break.
Three goals to two in the final quarter to lock in a 13.12 (90)-11.7 (73).
Werribee coach Jimmy Allan said it was nice to return home with four points in their pockets.
“The boys were really good,” he said. “They had a really strong side with 18 or 19 AFL-listed players.
“They challenged us in the first quarter and then again in the second quarter. We weathered the storm and fought back.”
Allan said they had large periods where they were able to control the game. He said their ability to fight back early in the match was one of the most pleasing things out of the game.
“They got out to a three goal lead,” he said. “Early in the second quarter we couldn’t get our hands on the ball.
“We were able to get back into it. There were positive signs with how we played for two and half quarters.”
Jack Henderson kicked three goals for the Tigers, while Hudson Garoni was the only other multiple kicker with two.
Louis Pinnuck led the way with the disposals, with 28. Henderson had 25 and Riley Bice chipped in with 23.
Allan said there were plenty of contributors again. He said the ability of the group to not rely on one or two players every week was one of their biggest strengths.
“Jack Henderson has built into some good form,” he said. “He kicked our first two goals of the game and finished with three goals and 25 disposals.
“The backline was good… Jesse Clark, Louis Pinnuck.
“Cooper Whyte has some good moments and Harry Grintell did a job on Brandon Ellis after he got away from us early.
“We had a lot of contributors.”
Allan said some of the guys that have come into the side like Whyte, Zac Banch and Flynn Young were coming in and doing what they are asking of them.
With a few senior players to come back in the side, Allan said they are making it hard for the selectors.
Daly Andrews got through another game at local level and will be available for selection this week
He said skipper Nick Coughlan wouldn’t be back until after the bye as they are cautious with his return given his importance.
“There is pressure on for spots which is a good thing,” he said. “We’ve in a position where we don’t have to rush those guys back.”
Werribee moved up to third spot after the win, on the same amount of points as second placed Geelong and fourth placed Williamstown.
Allan said they weren’t focusing too much on the ladder.
“We’re taking it week by week,” he said. “Any team on their day can win with so many teams.
“Hopefully we play well and get some more results.”
Werribee this week host Frankston at Avalon Airport Oval at 2.05pm.
Frankston sits in ninth spot.
“They lost by one point on the weekend,” Allan said. “They are in the finals race as well
“They’ve played some really good footy and we have to be at our best back at home.
“Going into the bye we wanted to play well in this period and be in a good position going into the mid season bye.”
