Tara Murray
Werribee continues to tick off the wins in the Victorian Football League, beating Geelong on Saturday.
Weribee played some good football in patches against the Cats to make it four wins in a row, with the 16.16 (112)-7.7 (49) win.
Coach Michael Barlow said while they were happy to get the win, they still have room for improvement.
“We played pretty well, but there were a couple of chunks of the game where momentum shifted against us,” he said.
“Our execution and conversion in front of goal let us down. We’re acutely aware of what that can do to us.
“We were in control enough of the game to get away with a few missed opportunities.”
Barlow said they had a sense of deja vu with the match, having been in similar positions earlier in the season against the Gold Coast Suns and Carlton.
On those two occasions they lost.
“We had a really good first quarter against Geelong but we didn’t execute in front of goal,” Barlow said.
“We allowed Geelong to stay in the game and they were in the game right up until midway through the last quarter.
“At stages it looked like they would go on a round. It was a credit to our guys that they stood up.”
It was Werribee’s leaders that led the way, especially when they needed them.
Co-captain Tom Gribble had 35 possessions, while Ollie Hanrahan had 28 possessions and Kye Declase had 24.
Hanrahan, Matt Hanson and Shaun Mannagh kicked three goals each. Mannagh won the best on ground Damian Drum Medal.
Barlow said they had put pressure on the midfielders.
“We’ve been strong on the midfield in particular with ways that players can improve,” he said.
“We want our midfield to be able to pose a threat offensively and it’s important to hit the scoreboard.
“Matt Hanson kicked three goals and Ollie kicked three goals. Shaun is a hybrid role. We are going to need that from week to week, finding other options.”
Hanrahan, who is in his first season at Werribee, continues to step up his impact every week.
Barlow said sometimes it can be hard to transition from an AFL list to playing in the VFL.
“You’re working full time now and training at nights and with a new group as football becomes the second or third element in your life,” he said.
“He just gets on with his work and is keen to have team success. He’s a joy to work with and is well grounded and highly humbled.”
Barlow said he was really loving the work of some of the lesser likers.
He said under-22 players Sam Clohesy and Mathew Keast were coming in and playing their roles and had put together a nice block of work.
Nick Hayes is another.
“He has looked like he would blow a few games open,” Barlow said. “He’s doing really well, but the delivery in direction hasn’t always been the best.
“His family was over from Adelaide on the weekend and they saw him play his best game.”
The win has Werribee now sitting a game outside the top eight. With one game separating third to 13th, there’s not much between the competition.
Werribee will be back in action on Friday night under lights against Port Melbourne.
Barlow said it will be another big game.
“We can only control what lies in front of us,” he said.
“Port Melbourne is coming off a bye and are hosting their first night game for premiership points at the ground.
“It’s a big moment for their club and we’re thrilled to be a part of it.
“We’re aware what they can throw at us”
