Tara Murray
The future is bright for Werribee Districts in the Western Region Football League.
While their senior side fell short in the division 1 grand final on Saturday, both their reserves and under-18s came away with the premierships.
Senior coach Chris Gilham said he was proud of the whole club and the work they had put in this year.
“We had a really great season and a great month and our reserves won the grand final,” he said.
“And we have so much to look forward to, our under-18s went through the year undefeated and were challenged today and responded and won.
“It’s not the way we wanted the seniors to finish, but as a club point of getting here to play three games and win two of them, couldn’t be prouder of everyone involved.”
The under-18s started the big day at Avalon Airport Oval against Point Cook.
The Tigers led by nine points at quarter time, before the Bulldogs stepped up with four goals in the second quarter to open up a 15 point half time lead.
The Tigers were able to regroup at half time and responded with four goals in the third quarter to take back control of the game.
They led by a goal at the last break.
Now on top, the Tigers continued that in the last quarter, with seven scoring shots to seal the 9.13 (67)-6.9 (45).
Jack Bonnett was a key target up forward for the Tigers, kicking five goals.
Josh Gerolemou was named best on ground.
For the Bulldogs, Heath Schiavello was named their best.
Having seen their club mates claim the premiership, the Tigers were out next on the field.
In the first of two games between Werribee Districts and Altona for the day, it was the Tigers that were able to do enough to win the premiership.
The Tigers made the most of their opportunities in the first quarter to open up an early lead. The second quarter would be key as they kicked five goals to lead by 29 points at half time.
While the Vikings won the third quarter, they still trailed by 17 points at the last break.
The Tigers were able to hold off the Vikings in the final quarter to win, 11.4 (70)-8.8 (56).
Cooper Atkinson kicked three goals in the win with Harley Kilby winning the best on ground medal.
Coach Rhys New said he had a few sleepless nights in the lead up to the game.
“Commiserations to Dean [Callaway] and Altona,” he said. “I know you battled all year through injury and COVID,
“It was a fantastic effort to get there. We were in your shoes back in 2019, we know how you’re feeling.
“You’re going to come back better next year.”
New said the playing group had stuck together through the last two COVID riddled years and this is the reward.
“You can be told as many times as you want you deserve something but you have to go out and earn it.
“Nothing is given in football… You only improved as time went on, you deserve the spoils and let’s enjoy it.”
