Werribee Tigers have begun a week of soul-searching after slumping to a third straight defeat in the VFL.
They were beaten on the road by the other Tigers, Richmond, to the tune of 31 points at Punt Road Oval on Sunday.
Werribee general manager Mark Penaluna told Star Weekly it was an undermanned side that took to the park but with a “no excuses” mentality.
“To lose three in a row is obviously very disappointing,” he said.
“Once again we showed at times where we think our ability might lie but as the coach [John Lamont] said after the game, we obviously need a reality check.
“Each individual, both as players and the club as a whole, needs to see what we’re going to do to improve ourselves and how we evolve and improve.”
The rot set in early for Werribee.
They had their chances to take an early lead, but failed to capitalise after missing a number of elementary shots.
The visitors could manage only three behinds for the first quarter, while Richmond opened up a 23-point quarter-time lead and built momentum as the crowd swelled.
“It was the same as the week before against Collingwood, when we gave up a start,” Penaluna said.
“We had our chances early on and missed some shots from 25 metres out that we should’ve kicked. Had we kicked the first couple of goals, who knows what difference that would’ve made.
“They had a large vocal crowd playing at Punt Road as a curtain raiser to their AFL match.
“From there on, they got their tails up and we didn’t adjust and paid the price.”
Werribee went to three-quarter-time 30 points down, having kicked just two goals to that point.
They added some respectability to their scoreline with four last-quarter goals – three of those coming from the boot of Lachie Hansen.
“He was terrific,” Penaluna said.
“He showed why he’s been a long-term AFL player and, hopefully, he gets his opportunity back in the AFL soon.”
Matt Hanson was a tireless worker on the ball for Werribee against the tide.
“He was good at the clearances,” Penaluna said.
“He’s been playing well, he played for Victoria and is a best-and-fairest winner, so it’s what we’ve come to expect from him.”
Skipper Michael Sodamaco relished the roles thrust upon him.
“That was his best game of the year,” Penaluna said. “He’s been gradually getting better after an interrupted pre-season.
“He started down back and did well there and then moved to the midfield and followed up his good form after half-time.”
Werribee’s next task is against one of this season’s surprise packets, Essendon, at Avalon Airport Oval on Saturday at 2.10pm.
Having slipped out of the top eight, it’s hugely important for the Tigers to defend their home turf.
“For the players, the coaches and the staff, that’s the good thing about footy, you move on to the next week pretty quickly,” Penaluna said.
“Essendon ran Sandringham close at Sandy at the weekend, so they’re going to be mighty hard to beat.
“Hopefully everyone will get along and support the boys.”
