It was a case of deja vu for Werribee in the Victorian Football League, this time losing a thriller to Sydney on Saturday afternoon.
The reigning premiers again struggled to find consistent form across four quarters and were made to pay by the Swans as they made the trip up to Sydney.
This time a last quarter come back fell short, with the Swans winning, 11.9 (75)-11.7 (73).
Werribee coach Jimmy Allan was left to rue what might have been again.
“We didn’t play well enough for long enough,” he said. “Our good is really good, but our bad can be bad.
“We could be 4-0, at least 3-1 but we are 1-3 which is where we probably should be. We’re playing consistently for a quarter, quarter and a half.
“We’re giving ourselves a chance to win, but not sustaining it and putting it together for the whole game.”
Against the Swans, the Tigers took until the final quarter to get going.
After leading by 13 points at quarter time, the Tigers then found themselves down by 20 points at the main break.
It increased to 23 points at the last chance.
Allan said the second quarter and early in the third quarter was as bad as football he had seen the group play this season.
The Tigers finished strong as it was four goals to one in the final quarter, but the damage had already been done.
“In the last quarter we were able to get our hands on the ball,” Allan said. “I don’t think we defended well for the whole day and Sydney played well.
“We needed to be more predictable to each other. We then left it a little late.
“We need more guys making decisions for the team. A weight of numbers aren’t on the same page.”
Hudson Garoni and Zac Banch kicked three goals each for Werribee and Allan said they were among their best.
Louis Pinnuck and Dom Brew both had 23 disposals to lead the ball winners.
Allan said Ryan Eyers was their best as he continued his fantastic start to the season, this time getting the best of Logan McDonald.
Bior Malual provided a bit of run on the wing, while Brew was the best of the midfield group.
“I don’t think too many players had their best day,” Allan said.
Werribee had two debutants on Saturday, with Spencer Johnson and Harry Maguire both getting their opportunities.
Allan said both players had some good moments and would be better for the run.
“They’ve come into a team that isn’t playing well,” he said. “It’s much easier when you come in and the team is playing well.
“Hopefully when we bring in anyone else we have gelled a bit more.”
Werribee is at home in round five on Anzac Day against Williamstown at Melbourne Avalon Airport Oval from 1.05pm.
Allan said it would be a big day for them and it was always an honour to play on Anzac Day.
“Williamstown is in a similar position to us at 1-3,” he said. “It’s a big western rivalry.
“It’s an opportunity to kick start our season.”
Meanwhile, North Melbourne Werribee started its VFLW season on a winning note, beating Carlton.
The Kangaroos led all day on the way to a 9.11 (65)-2.5 (17) win.
