BEN McKinley kicked four goals in his first match for the year and Majak Daw was among the best as Werribee beat North Ballarat by 25 points in the VFL on Sunday.
Prime Minister and club patron Julia Gillard watched as the Tigers moved into eighth on the ladder.
McKinley, who has 101 goals for the club in 29 games, was absent for the first seven games as he finished a university degree.
His return gives Werribee another option in a potent forward line that includes Ben Warren, Ben Brown and Scott Clouston.
Daw, dropped by North Melbourne after a modest two-disposal effort against Adelaide, impressed.
The Tigers kicked five goals to three in the opening term to lead by 16 at the first break, but the margin was cut to two points at half-time as the Roosters, also aligned with North Melbourne, reeled them in.
Werribee dominated much of the third quarter, and had 13 shots on goal – but only four went through the middle and the Roosters were still just 16 points down at the final break.
Three goals to one in the final term proved the difference, with the Tigers securing their fourth win of the year and bragging rights until the sides meet again.
Levi Greenwood continued to put his hand up for a senior recall, being best-on-ground in a shut-down role on Myles Sewell and Liam Anthony.
“He’s been one of our most consistent players,” Tigers coach Scott West said.
“With the North players looking to get a spot in the senior team, it’s about doing what’s required and he played well.
“It’s always good from our point of view to get the bragging rights in the games with the two aligned clubs.
“The third quarter was frustrating. When you’re given opportunities to score, you need to take them because inaccuracy keeps the opposition close.”
The development team enjoyed a 43-point win over North Ballarat. Trailing by seven points at quarter- time, the team kicked 12 goals to five in the next three quarters.
Werribee makes one of the toughest away trips this Saturday, travelling to Frankston, where the Dolphins beat Port Melbourne earlier this year.
Seniors: Werribee 14.17 (101) North Ballarat 10.16 (76). Development League: Werribee 14.16 (100) North Ballarat 8.9 (57).
