By Lance Jenkinson
Werribee is failing to close deals in the Victorian Football League.
The boys in black and gold have gone oh-so-close for three weeks running, only to come out on the wrong side of the scoreline on home turf – against Williamstown, Essendon and, on Saturday, Collingwood, losing to the Magpies by a mere three points.
Incredibly, Werribee finished all three games with more scoring shots than the opposition.
Werribee utility Kye Declase was left frustrated by his side’s latest loss, but believes the tide will turn before too long for a team with a 6-6 record.
“No one likes to lose, especially at this time of the year,” he said. “It was very disappointing coming that close after working so hard and just not finishing off our good work.”
While the narrow margins of defeat would suggest finishing is not Werribee’s strong suit, quite the opposite holds true.
Werribee is one of the best second-half teams, but a notoriously slow starter.
“We’re finishing off games strongly,” Declase said. “It’s just our first-quarter starts – we’re pretty slow there.
“We really want to focus on our starts, but for some reason we can’t get out of first gear. If we can fix that up, we’ll be a tough side to play against.”
PHOTO GALLERY: Werribee vs Collingwood
Werribee was 17 points down at quarter-time against Collingwood and that became 21 by the half.
After half-time, Werribee played more assured football, dictating the terms better than it had in the first half.
“They jumped us early,” Declase said. “We were a bit panicked and rushing our disposals instead of taking our time over the ball and kicking through.
“It was a heated game and we were both bringing the pressure, but they just reacted quicker. Once we calmed down, we started using the ball real well and we got on top.”
Unfortunately for Werribee, the comeback came up just short, even if two late Matt Munro goals made Collingwood sweat.
Inefficiency hurt Werribee, which had two more scoring shots and 11 more inside-50s.
Declase was full of praise for pressure forward and goal sneak Munro.
“His forward pressure is outstanding – probably the best in the comp,” Declase said. “Tackling, chase – it’s remarkable. And he’s finishing off the goals.”
Dom Brew was superb in a two-way role on dangerous Collingwood midfielder Alex Woodward.
Not only did Brew have 22 disposals, but he also had 16 tackles and was named best-on-ground.
After three losses in a row, Werribee’s top eight spot could come under threat against second-placed Richmond at the Swinburne Centre on Sunday morning.
“It’s a huge game,” Declase said.
MORE VFL NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/kye-declase-shows-his-class/
