Tara Murray
Werribee Districts has ticked box one of a mini mid-season ‘finals series’ beating Point Cook in a top of the table clash in the Western Region Football League division 1 on Saturday.
The Tigers, who are undefeated, have a three game period where they face the other three teams in the top four.
The first of those matches came on Saturday against the Bulldogs, in tricky conditions.
Tigers coach Chris Gilham said they were keen to test themselves against the other contenders.
“It was a good day for the footy club,” he said. “They are quality opposition and right on our heels.
“We have a tough couple of weeks, but we can set ourselves up. It’s a little finals series.
“Point Cook, Altona and Caroline Springs, they will all be there again. We’re looking forward to seeing where we are at.
“Winning form is good form, but we’re not kidding ourselves. There are bigger challenges to come, what you do in the home and away season doesn’t count at the business end.”
On Saturday, the two teams were greeted with tough conditions, with the wind making it hard at times.
The Tigers led at every break on the way to the 12.16 (88)-9.6 (60) win.
Gilham though said it took a bit for them to take control of the game.
“Point Cook started well and we were able to wrestle our way back into the contest,” he said. “We got the ascendancy in the second and third quarters.
“As the game went on we were able to capitalise on our inside 50s. They came late, but we had a match winning lead at three quarter time.”
Trent Lee and Jordan Patty kicked three goals each for the Tigers.
Like most of the season, the Tigers performance was an even team one.
Gilham said Andrew Panayi was really good with his ball use inside 50, while the midfield led by Michael Luxford and Bailey Siwek were really good.
He was also full of praise of the backline
“Week in, week out they are keeping teams to low scores.”
The Tigers now sit three games clear of Altona, which moved into second spot with victory against Caroline Springs.
Gilham said they still have work to do.
“We have little facets to improve,” he said. “We don’t have to look at the game as a whole.
“We have a lot of talent, it’s about doing the blue collar stuff well each week.
“Each week we’re losing the possession count, but we’re winning the contested part of the game, the pressure has been great.”
The Tigers this week face Altona, with Gilham looking forward to the challenge.
At the other end of the ladder, Point Cook Centrals took a step further from avoiding relegation, beating Hoppers Crossing.
The Sharks got their second win of the season, beating the Cats, 9.13 (67)-6.8 (44).
The Sharks now sit a game clear of the Cats at the bottom of the ladder.
