By Lance Jenkinson
It is the game that Werribee players will least want to re-watch, but it is one they will probably dissect the most.
Hitting the play button on the tape of Saturday’s 86-point hammering at the hands of premiership favourite Richmond in the Victorian Football League will be as much fun as going to the dentist for the Werribee team, but it could be the most beneficial.
Werribee defender Nick Coughlan expects a gold mine of teachings to come out of it for his young team.
“It will be a very good learning experience for us to go through the tape and see why they’re such a good side and where we can improve,” he said.
“We’ll be able to get a lot of thoughts and ideas about how they play and we’ll be able to incorporate that into our game.”
Werribee had all the best intentions of making a fast start, but they were left stunned by a tsunami of Richmond attack.
The Tigers held a 28-point lead at the first change, the quarter-time break offering Werribee players a chance to find their bearings.
“We wanted to come out firing at them and hit them between the eyes, but we didn’t deliver on that,” Coughlan said.
Werribee fought back in the second and third quarters. Captain Michael Sodomaco led the way with a daring performance, taking on Richmond tacklers with success, one of the few Werribee boys to do so.
“Whenever he got the ball, something happened and that’s what we’re trying to encourage, aggressive, attacking footy and he stood out by far,” Coughlan said.
Even on a trying day, Sam Collins was still dependable. Coughlan joked that Collins had a “quiet day”, finishing with 23 disposals, seven marks and five tackles.
“He’s got a vice grip as well, once the ball hits his palms, it’s not coming out,” he said.
As for that juggernaut that is Richmond, well, they are going to take some stopping.
Coughlan was in awe of the connection the Tigers players had among one another.
“They come out of stoppages and have so much trust and confidence that their players are going to win the ball.
“It was coming into the defence pretty hot at times.”
Werribee, fourth last, will visit bottom side Coburg in an all-stand alone clash at Piranha Park on Saturday.
