Tara Murray
Werribee took its winning streak to 10 in the Victorian Football League on Saturday, but was made to work hard for the points.
Werribee made the trek to Port Melbourne to face Port Melbourne, which had easily accounted for it last season.
There was no repeat on Saturday, with Werribee winning, 10.14 (74)-7.9 (51).
Werribee coach Michael Barlow said while they don’t usually look at winning streaks, it would be wrong not to mark having won 10 in a row.
He said speaking with president Mark Penaluna they believe the most recent time the club previously won 10 in a row was back in 2005 on the way to a grand final appearance.
“It is a really good effort,” he said. “We haven’t acknowledged much along the way, but it’s been something we have to celebrate as a group.
“It’s a big deal at this level. Ten on the bounce it ultimately sets up the season and it gives yourself a chance.”
Werribee was greeted by tricky conditions at Port Melbourne as the wind added an extra element to the game.
After putting a lot of work heading into the game to ensure there wasn’t a repeat of last year, Werribee were put under pressure early.
Barlow said the results don’t reflect the season that Port Melbourne has had.
“They’ve been in a lot of games and lost some close ones,” he said.
“They were plucky in the first quarter and could have taken advantage of some of our turnovers.
“They would have put it right on us and made us come from behind if they had.”
Barlow said for the most part they were able to handle the tricky conditions quite well in the first half and it resulted in a 28 point lead at the main break.
The second half was a much tighter affair with Port Melbourne able to stay within the game.
Barlow said it was the opposite to the last time the two teams played.
“In the second half we feel like we flatlined a bit on the day,” he said. “We acknowledged with the players afterwards that we had been up for a while.
“We feel like there’s parts of games that are getting away from us. It’s hard to play the perfect game of footy.
“The opposition challenge you and throw different things at you and we’re still finding ways to find which is pleasing.”
Shaun Mannagh, Hudson Garoni and Kye Declase kicked two goals each for Werribee.
Barlow said it was a solid team performance without a lot of standards.
“Shaun Mannagh was good again,” he said. “Dom Brew had 18 tackles in the middle.
“Jesse Clark had a more defensive engaging role and played well. The rest of the group played their roles.”
Lucas Rocci returned to the side for the his second game of the season after an injury riddled year.
Barlow said Rocci provides them with a bit more flexibility and was a better match up against the Borough’s small forwards.
Werribee remains third on the ladder, a game off top, despite having played one less game.
Werribee this week faces the Northern Bullants at home on Saturday at 2.05pm.
The day is a big day for the club off field as well.
“It’s ladies day,” Barlow said. “It’s always nice to recognise the ladies in the club and in the players lives.
“We’ll rap up this game and put some variety into training this week and look for a four quarter performance, which has been evading us for a little bit.”
