Tara Murray
It was a case of close, but not close enough for Werribee in the opening round of the Victorian Football League.
Werribee travelled up to Brisbane to face the Brisbane Lions on Saturday and for long periods of time controlled the game.
The Lions found another level in the second half and were able to sneak home, winning 10.10 (70)-10.9 (69).
Werribee coach Michael Barlow said he could not have been prouder of the group’s efforts.
“When you have healthy AFL clubs, that filters down into the VFL sides,” he said.
“We played against some quality players. In the first half we outplayed them and out worked them which put us in front.
“We were able to play our game style and really challenge them in tough conditions.
“We were looking really good, but had a couple of patches at the start of the third quarter and a patch in the fourth quarter where we could not control the ball.”
Barlow said even just walking across the ground that you could feel the heat, but said not one player mentioned that post game.
He said while they were disappointed not to get the four points, he said they put in the necessary effort needed for the whole game. Werribee failed to score a goal in the final quarter, which would prove costly.
Shaun Mannagh led the way with 31 disposals while Tom Gribble and Jack Henderson had 28 possessions each.
Henderson, Hudon Garoni and Nick Hayes kicked two goals each.
Barlow said Henderson, Louis Pinnuck and Ariek Lual were the standouts in the loss.
He said there was a real weight on numbers in the first half, but some players dropped off in the second half.
While the result wasn’t what they wanted, Barlow said there were some good signs for the future. The club had six players make their debuts for the club.
“In terms of personnel, we played 12 guys under the age of 22,” Barlow said.
“The most we played last season was seven. The next wave of player has developed in the 12 months with us.
“There’s lots of guys who have had 12-24 months and been given limited opportunities or in and out of the side.
“They stepped up on the weekend and there were signs that the development program and what we are doing to improve their own games is standing up.
“Hopefully we get a few players back and they can start to bolster the side. Hopefully the young guys can make it hard for the selectors.”
Missing in round one were some of Werribee’s most experienced players.
Captain Nick Coughlan is out with a foot complaint, while four time club best and fairest winner Matt Hanson is out with a wrist injury.
Barlow said they weren’t expecting them back in the real short term and they would miss another one or two games.
Bailey Henderson, who joined the club in the off season missed with illness and is expected to be back in round two.
Former captain Michael Sodomaco missed the game after the birth of his second child is another who will hopefully be back in round two.
Werribee has a bye in round two.
Barlow said it wasn’t the worst thing, with the club finally gaining full access to Chirnside Park with cricket finals over.
He said they would use the bye week to get back into their proper routine.
Werribee is then on the road again in round three, heating up to face the Gold Coast Suns on the Gold Coast.
