By Lance Jenkinson
Werribee Centrals has upset the apple cart with a stunning 51-point win over reigning premiers Thomson in the Geelong and District Football League Smiths Holden Cup.
The Centurions not only spoiled the Tigers plans of going through the season undefeated, but sent a warning to the rest of the league that they should be taken seriously in the chase for the flag.
Centurions coach Nick Smith might have been the only person who had faith in his young team taking down the star-studded Tigers.
“It was easily our best win for the year,” he said. “I’ve said that a couple of times this year, but it’s going to be hard to beat that one.
“I’ve got a very young group that haven’t played a lot of senior footy.
“I’ve always said that once they start to believe in themselves and understand what they’re capable of, look out.”
Werribee Centrals totally dismantled its highly-rated opposition.
The Centurions incredibly held Thomson goal-less until three quarter time.
They led 70 to six at the final change before Thomson kicked four goals in a junk time fourth quarter.
Smith did not exactly reinvent the wheel to guide the Centurions to the famous victory.
“We really simplifield our game plan down to out-work and out-number and pretty much that’s what we did to them,” Smith said.
“It’s hard to counteract because it’s not a very complex game plan, but it’s very hard to deal with.
“If we’re out-numbering you and out-working you, it means we’ve got more people around the footy than you and that usually gets you the footy.”
It was not all about the winning the midfield battle for Werribee Centrals.
The Centurions had to get the job done at both ends of the ground to complete the plan.
Defensively, Werribee Centrals was at its best, holding the runaway top attack in the league without a major over three quarters.
In attack, they scored a steady stream of goals to build an unassailable lead.
“It wasn’t total possession dominance, they got a lot of the footy, but to keep the top team and reigning premiers goal-less by three quarter time, you’ve got to play some decent defence,” Smith said.
“We also had some pretty good dangerous forwards finishing off the work, which is important too because you’re got to do more than just crack in and win the footy.”
Brayden Smith did it all for Werribee Centrals at centre half back.
He organised his young defence, intercepted the aerial balls and rebounded out of defensive 50. Zac Anthony, Chad Buck and Sam Browne had important roles in defence.
Nathan Johnson was again Werribee Centrals’ prime target with four goals.
Werribee Centrals remains in fourth place, but has opened up a six-point gap on fifth and is eight points clear in the top five. The Centurions are still striving for a top three berth, so a win over Belmont Lions at Galvin Park on Saturday is a must.
