Tara Murray
Werribee took another step in the right direction in the Victorian Football League on Sunday against Collingwood.
Having beaten Greater Western Sydney the previous week, Werribee made it two in a row with a strong performance against the Magpies.
Werribee started the better of the two teams, before the Magpies took control of the contest in the second quarter.
With the Magpies unable to hit the scoreboard, Werribee was able to increase its lead.
Werribee were able to round out the result with some strong football in the second half.
Coach Michael Barlow said they were able to see some improvement in what the side was putting out.
“Mondays are better after results like that,” he said.
“We played really well last week and it was a step in the right direction. We needed to back it up and we were able to do that.
“We took our opportunities early, which meant we could get some ascendancy and confidence. You then have the ability to play the game on your terms a bit more.”
Like many of their matches this season, the second quarter was Werribee’s down fall.
Barlow said the Magpies dominated the contest and clearances with the ball spending most of the quarter in the Magpies forward half.
“We were a bit lucky they didn’t take their opportunities,” he said. “We can’t keep doing that.”
What pleased Barlow the most in the second half was some of the performances of players, who hadn’t necessarily played their best football this year.
He said it showed the growth of players.
“Players stood up who had been going just OK,” he said.
“We had conversations between coaches and individuals players, that we thought there was still another gear to go.
“We got a fair bit more out of a lot of players, who had that individual growth, which leads to term improvement.”
Hudson Garoni kicked five goals in the win, while Shaun Mannagh, Jay Dahlhaus, Harry Stubbings kicked two goals each.
Barlow said they would have been happy to write down “team effort” for the side’s best players in the win.
He gave praise to some of those players who he thought had really stepped up.
“Guys like Sam Conway in the ruck,” he said. “I spoke about players not taking the position by the scruff of the neck and he was one of them.
“He played an important position against an AFL listed guy.
“Hudson Garoni kicked five goals. He was in a similar position to Sam in going just okay.
“Kye Declase has been a staunch performer all year. He embraced the opportunity against AFL listed players.”
The win moves Werribee to a 4-4 record and now 13th on the ladder.
Werribee had a 10 game day break between games with its next match against Richmond on May 8.
Barlow said it was a different situation having a mid week game.
“We will take a deep breath and some of the squad will play local footy on the weekend,” he said.
“It’s a big test and we will have to work out the logistics work wise. We’ll look to embrace the opportunity.”
While the side doesn’t play on the weekend, a few players will have a few nervous moments this week with the AFL mid-season draft which will be held on June 1.
Barlow said he wasn’t sure what interest there was in his players, but would be thrilled for any who did get the opportunity.
He said the likes of Declase, who was picked up by Melbourne in last seasons’ midseason draft and Matt Hanson were two players who could easily transition onto an AFL list.
