There was a stark gap between Werribee’s best and worst in a 51-point loss to Footscray in the Victorian Football League at the Whitten Oval on Saturday evening.
Tigers coach John Lamont was left frustrated by his side’s disjointed performance, knowing that a four-quarter effort could have been enough to throw down a serious challenge to the defending premiers.
“Our first quarter probably wasn’t too bad,” he said.
“Our third quarter was good, we defended better, our ball movement was more positive, but we were just a but inaccurate in front of goal.
“Then we dropped away a bit again in the last quarter.
“We played one good quarter, maybe a half, so it was a disappointing night for us.
“No one is happy with that.”
It’s only two rounds in, but Werribee is in danger of slipping a long way behind the eight ball.
The Tigers are 0-2 and have a crucial game against Essendon at Arden Street on Saturday.
“We’re just looking forward to an opportunity to get out to play and get better,” Lamont said.
“We’ve just got to put four quarters together.
“We’re lacking consistency.”
One shining example of a player the rest of the Werribee team should follow is captain Michael Sodomaco.
Sodomaco has not let up for the Tigers in the first two rounds.
“He’s playing really good football, providing terrific drive out of the back half,” Lamont said.
“We probably need to get him a bit more help so we can generate some run and some positive movement of the footy.
“It’s great to see that he’s risen to the challenge as captain in his third year and producing good positive footy.”
Sodomaco represented Victoria last year and Lamont reckons the skipper is on track for Big V honours again this season.
The 25-year-old has relished the chance to operate free of any injury setbacks and is showing what he can deliver.
“As all footballers will tell you, getting that good base of training and pre-season, that’s what sets you up,” Lamont said.
“He’s going well physically and mentally he’s nice and alert and enthusiastic.
“He played for Victoria last year, so he’s right on track to be part of the Victorian squad again.
“On form, he’d have to be in there, he was one of the better players last year as well.”
Jordan Jones had an injury interrupted pre-season, but there were no signs of any lingering effects.
The midfielder suffered bone bruising in a leg, which ruled him out for round one.
But Jones made a positive start to his new season against Footscray, finishing with 18 disposals and six clearances.
A fit and firing Jones would be a huge plus for Werribee.
“He brings good experience to our group and we need that because we’re pretty young,” Lamont said.
“He’s at the other end, 26 years old and had three years on an AFL list [with West Coast].
“He’s still gaining some match fitness, but we need plenty of leadership from him.
“He’s pulled up well, so hopefully with a bit of luck, he can build up his year.”
Ryan Clarke, Jed Anderson and Declan Mountford were strong performers in the Werribee midfield.
Clarke and Matt Hanson were the Tigers only multiple goalkickers with two apiece.
Majak Daw had the chance to rip the game to shreds, but finished with 1.4 and a couple of other missed chances.
Ryley Barrack was impressive in defence.
Meanwhile, Werribee went down by 51 points to Sandringham in the AFL Victoria Development League at Trevor Barker Oval on Saturday.
Nick Buykx, formerly of the Western Jets, staked his claim for a senior call-up, while Josh Corbett booted three goals.
