Tara Murray
Werribee gun Kye Declase jumped at the chance to be part of the Victorian Football League representative side that took on the South Australian National Football League on Saturday.
The two leagues faced off for the first time since 2017 as part of the AFL’s Gather Round held in South Australia on the weekend.
In a tough-fought contest, the VFL was left to rue missed opportunities in front of goal as it fell short, losing 10.5 (65)- 7.9 (51).
The VFL controlled the first term and led by 13 points at the first break, before the SANFL worked back into the game.
The VFL still led by two points at the main break.
A goal less third quarter had the VFL with work to do in the final quarter. It wasn’t able to bridge the gap, falling short.
Delcase was one of the Big V’s best, finishing with 20 disposals.
Speaking after the game, Declase said it was a really good experience.
“It was a real honour and privilege,” he said. “It’s always been something that I’ve wanted to do and I was so happy that it has come back.
“I put my hand up for selection as soon as I could.”
Declase was surrounded by Werribee teammates in the Victorian side.
Dom Brew captained the side, while Nick Hayes, Hudson Garoni, Nathan Cooper and Jack Henderson all played in the game.
Louis Pinnuck was a late out, having initially been selected in the final side.
Declase said it showed plenty about Werribee to have the most players in the competition in that team.
“There was good representation from Werribee Football Club,” he said. “It shows the culture of the club we have down there.
“It was really good and I think we represented Werribee really well and we all played to our strengths.
“We showcased that talent last year making it to the grand final to have six or seven representatives in the Big V squad, I can’t be prouder of the boys.”
Declase and the group will quickly turn their attention to round three of the VFL season. The Tigers will be at home on Saturday for the first time this season against Richmond.
Declase said they were focused on what was ahead of them. The side is undefeated after the first two rounds.
“We put that behind this week,” he said.
“We have a tough game this weekend and boys are all across the processes.”
Declase, who has been one of the stars for the Tigers for a number of years, is one of the key leaders this season.
With the departure of a number of key guys, he said there’s others who are stepping up.
“It has been really good,” he said. “We’ve got players that have really stepped up and taking on roles as the next leaders of the club.
“It has been really good. Players like Jaelen Pavlidis and Matthew Keast have been really good on the track.”
Declase said the group has set high expectations for this season.
“We will stick to the structures and processes and I think we can go a long way with this group.”
Werribee’s match on Saturday starts at 2.05pm.
