Tara Murray
Werribee Districts jumped out of the blocks with a win against Point Cook in the Western Region Football League division 1.
On the scoreboard, the Tigers were the most impressive across the two men’s senior competitions, with nearly 50 shots on goal.
In different parts of their development, the Tigers smashed the Bulldogs, 25.21 (171)-4.4 (28).
Tigers coach Chris Gilham said it was always nice to open the season with a win.
“It’s hard to know what will happen in round one,” he said. “There’s a lot of elements of unknown.
“You just have to focus on things that we can control and hopefully that’s good enough to get the win.”
Gilham said the game was played in really windy conditions, with the wind favouring one end. In the first and third quarters they were kicking with the wind, the Tigers kicked 18 of their 25 goals.
“We were really happy with the start with the breeze,” he said. “We were able to put on some scoreboard pressure while against the breeze as well, especially in the last quarter.
“We tried to play our brand of footy and I’m pretty happy. Point Cook is a young developing side and they will get better.”
Daniel Nielson kicked eight goals in a best on ground performance. Gilham said he had 14 shots on goal in the tricky conditions, putting in a sharp first up performance.
He said he was pretty happy with how the side went as a whole.
“Our midfield group led by Bailey Siwek was really good while Sean Gregory complimented Daniel really well,” Gilham said.
“Our small forwards, who have been our strength, kicked 11 goals between them.
“Everyone contributed both offensively and defensively.”
For Point Cook it was single goal kickers. Keenan Hatch and Luke Denny were named the Bulldogs best.
The Tigers will have a much bigger test this week, facing Altona.
Altona had a 60-point win against St Albans in its opening match.
Gilham said they were looking forward to the challenge.
“Altona has been the benchmark the last couple of years having won the minor premiership.
“We’re looking to improve and be competitive
“We look forward to these games and we get a really good opportunity early to see where we are at.
“It will be a strong test.”
In other matches, it was a good start to the season for Hoppers Crossing which accounted for Sunshine.
A six goal to nil second quarter broke the game open with the Warriors continuing on from there, winning 19.16 (130)- 8.11 (59).
Jack Dorgan kicked five goals and was named one of the best in the win along with Ashlin Brown and Liam McMahon.
In division 2, Point Cook Centrals had a good win against Glen Orden.
Centrals left Glen Orden stunned after a 46-0 first quarter. The Hawks never recovered, as the Centrals won 14.11 (95)-9.9 (63).
Parkside came from behind to beat Wyndhamvale 13.14 (92)-10.6 (66).
