Werribee snapped a five game losing streak to keep its tiny Victorian Football League finals hopes alive.
After their worst half of the season in the previous round, the Tigers showed plenty of fight to get the job done against Coburg on Sunday.
The Tiger led narrowly at quarter time before extending the lead to nine points at half time.
Four goals to none in the third quarter opened the game up in the favour of the Tigers before they were able to hold Werribee off, winning 13.11 (89)-10.9 (69).
Tigers coach Jimmy Allan said it was much nicer to be on the winning side of things this week.
“The boys played well,” he said. “It was a good reward and a blueprint for sticking to the task.
“Everyone did their job and when we do that we’re a good team.”
Allan said the way they bounced back showed that the previous week wasn’t the norm and that Casey Demons were a really good side.
On Sunday, he said they approached the game in the right mindset.
“We played well from start to finish,” he said. “Both teams made mistakes.
“We gave our forwards a lot more chances. The midfielders were given a big challenge and they stuck to the task.
“In other games, the opposition was getting out the front with dangerous clearances. We wanted to stop that and they did a great job from there.”
Allan said it was nice to get a lot of inside 50s and take the pressure off their backline which had been doing a lot of work.
Werribee had contributors across the board in the win.
Hudson Garoni continued his good season with another four goals, while Harry Miller kicked two goals.
Allan said Miller’s finishing off, he also kicked three behinds, was the only knock on his game.
Daly Andrews and Jack Riding had their best games of the season in the midfield, while Dom Brew and Jake Smith were also solid contributors
Sam Conway in the ruck, Emerson Jeka, captain Jesse Clark, Mace Cousins and Sam Azzi were others mentioned by Allan.
Liam Kershaw in his third VFL game and second for the club and Luke Preece on debut were also good.
Allan said Kershaw set the tone early for them with a good tackle and he grew in confidence from there.
Preece was one of three debutants for the club.
William Kliszewski came in and kicked a goal, while Reuben Rode was a late inclusion for his Werribee debut and was busy with and without the ball.
Allan said there weren’t too many players that hadn’t played at least one game this season.
“They were our 19, 20 and 21 debutants,” he said. “They got their opportunity to play at this level.
“We haven’t had the consistency in the team as the turnover has been significant.
“Jay Dahlhaus, who is important for us, had a fitness test and didn’t get through. Bior Malual, who has been one of our more consistent players, is out for a while.
“Jaelen Pavlidis was starting to play some good footy. Those guys who have come in and adapted well.”
Werribee sits in 14th spot, still 10 points outside the top 10.
They this week host Richmond on Saturday at Melbourne Avalon Airport Oval.
Allan said they were focused on playing how they played on Sunday.
“Finals are still mathematically still a chance, but it would be a real long shot,” Allan said.
“There’s still plenty to play for and we want to show that spirit we had on the weekend again this week.”
