By Tara Murray
A late Werribee comeback fell just short against Geelong on a big day for the Victorian Football League club on Saturday.
As well as hosting the Cats, Werribee held its first double header with the North Melbourne-Werribee women’s side at Melbourne Avalon Airport Oval.
The men’s match got things underway followed by the women’s side also taking on the Cats.
Tigers coach Jimmy Allan said they were hoping this was the start of something with the women’s side.
“It was a really big weekend,” Allan said. “We had our game and then the girls game afterwards and we were really excited to have them there.
“They came out and trained a little bit on Thursday. It was pretty cool.
“The end of our training was the start of their training and then both groups had dinner with both groups mingling together.”
On field on Saturday, the Tigers suffered another loss, this time to Geelong.
The Cats led by seven points at quarter time and nine points at half time in a low scoring affair.
The margin increased to 16 points heading into the final quarter.
“It was frustrating,” Allan said. “I thought they had control for three quarters and we didn’t get our hands on the ball as much as we wanted.
“Geelong had a really strong midfield and our backline held up strongly.
“They missed some shots that kept us in the game.”
Werribee kicked the first three goals of the final quarter to hit the front before Geelong responded with two of its own.
Hudson Garoni kicked his fifth goal late to bring the margin back within a goal, but time ran out with the Cats winning 11.15 (81)-12.7 (79).
Allan said they weren’t able to hold on in the end once they got in front.
He said it was a bit of being a new group, but also letting themselves down with errors and decision making.
“We have a new group with only 12 or 13 players from last year’s premiership side.
“It’s a completely different mix and we’ve had to shuffle players around in different positions, where last year we were more settled.
“We are learning a lot about the guys and what we have been able to show we have been competitive every week.
“Our best is still really good.”
Garoni was a standout for the Tigers kicking five goals in limited opportunities.
Allan said they had just 34 inside 50s and every time they did he looked like getting his hands on it.
Defender Ryan Eyers continued his good form and kept his side in the game before doing his hamstring just before three quarter time.
Sam Conway had his best game in terms of movement around the ground while Jake Smith moved out to the wing and had an impact.
Another positive was the return of Daly Andrews for his first VFL game in more than 300 days.
“I thought he had a pretty good game,” Allan said. “He was strong in the contest and some of his ball use and decision making was excellent.
“Hopefully he pulls up OK.”
With the bye in two weeks time, Allan said they would take that into consideration with player selection.
Defender Louis Pinnuck, who has an ankle injury, is one who will be a wait and see having missed the weekend.
The Tigers this Saturday face local rival Williamstown at Williamstown.
Allan said they were hoping for some good weather.
Meanwhile, North Melbourne-Werribee beat Geelong, 17.8 (110)-3.4 (22) in the VFLW.
