Tara Murray
Werribee Districts season continues on after a hard fought win against Deer Park in a Western Region Football League semi final on Sunday.
Both sides were keen to keep their seasons alive after mixed results in the first week of finals.
It was the Tigers though who were able to continue the momentum into the match, winning 11.9 (75)-6.15 (51).
Tigers coach Chris Gilham was over the moon on Sunday night. As well as the seniors winning through, both their under-18s and reserves won through to the grand final on Saturday.
“It was a great day of footy for the club,” he said. “It’s been a great fortnight.
“With the reserves and under-18s into the grand final, the whole club is really happy with how it is going.
“It’s a reward for all the hard work we are doing.”
Against Deer Park on Sunday, the Tigers made the most of their opportunities early to get the game on their terms.
They led by 24 points at the first break, despite having one less scoring shot. Gilham said that quarter set up the game.
“It was to and fro early on for both teams,” he said. “We both had good opportunities to hit the scoreboard early, we took our chances and kicked six goals straight in the first quarter.
“At the other end they missed a couple of opportunities. It’s all about a game of inches in football.
“We were very happy to have taken the opportunity and produced that early scoreboard pressure.”
While the Tigers had the lead, Gilham knew that the Lions were going to keep coming. The week before they were in the same situation.
“It makes a big difference,” he said. “Last week during the game we had to make a few gambles, which Deer Park had to do.
“They had to do those things to give themselves an opportunity, but it then gave us a chance to counter attack.
“We were able to score off the counter attack which was good. The pressure was massive, but our back six was amazing and kept repelling them.”
Gilham couldn’t speak highly enough about the back line which is one of the youngest in the competition
“They are young and inexperienced and taking on some really big names, some former AFL players,” he said.
“They are 18,19, 20 and very talented players. You don’t win unless you have a solid back line.
“They are courageous with the ball.
“We play finals football every year and this year we’re taking the opportunity to turn final opportunities into wins.
“They keep showing up and getting some reward for effort.”
Daniel Nielson and Trent Lee kicked two goals each for the Tigers. Harrison White and Zak Busuttil were named their best.
The win sets up a preliminary final with Caroline Springs. The minor premiers lost their semi final to Altona, 11.5 (71)-9.11 (65).
Gilham said they were prepared for the challenge.
“They have been the benchmark all year and have a really even side,” he said. “We take in great confidence after the last two weeks and we have to take it to them.’
