Tara Murray
Werribee was able to inflict a small bit of revenge on Williamstown on Saturday and move to the top of the Victorian Football League ladder in the process.
The two teams faced off for the second time this season, with the Seagulls putting in a commanding performance on Anzac Day.
On Saturday, it was a tough contest for three quarters before the Tigers finished off strongly, to claim a 12.11 (83)-9.9 (63) win.
With the win, the Tigers claimed John Pyne Memorial Trophy. Pyne made a significant 14-year contribution to Werribee both on and off field.
Werribee coach Jimmy Allan said it was an important win with how close the season is.
“We were pretty keen to atone for last time a little bit, but you never get it back,” he said.
“We were able to stick to our processes and run over the top to get the win.”
Allan said they struggled with their ball use and decision making for the first two and half quarters.
It took until midway through the third quarter to start playing their way and they finally started to hit the scoreboard in the final quarter.
Allan said while they weren’t great with some areas early on, other areas of their game were still really strong.
“Our pressure was really good,” he said. “Our pressure has kept us in games for most of the year,” he said.
“We put on a lot of pressure in the first two and half quarters when things weren’t going our way.
“We can always come back to it and at least put the opposition under the pump to make sure we’re not being heavily scored against.”
Flynn Young and Jack Riding kicked two goals each in the win.
Dom Brew led the possession winner with 27, while Riding and Jesse Clark had 26 disposals each.
Allan said they had plenty of winners of the day.
“We gave a couple of big jobs,” he said. “Nathan Cooper was outstanding as was Jesse Clark down back.
“Dom Brew continued his really good form. Sam Conway came into the side and gave us a presence in the ruck.
“Jack Riding, Cooper Whyte were again really good.”
Jay Rantall became the latest player to make his debut for the Tigers this season, finishing with 13 disposals and one goal.
Allan said what was pleasing was to see a lot of players really find their feet at this level.
“We are a completely different team to the grand final team,” he said. “There were only 10 players from that team on the weekend.
“Guys have started to find their side and feel part of the side and get their confidence back.”
The win moves the Tigers to the top of the ladder.
Such is the closeness of the competition, Williamstown which is now in seventh spot, is only a game back.
Allan said he didn’t pay attention to the ladder knowing that they just have to be at their best each weekend.
The Tigers are set for a boost in the next couple of weeks, with captain Nick Coughlan set to return.
“He’ll be touch and go for this week,” he said. “It’ll be this week or next week against Footscray.
“Getting him back makes us a better side.”
Allan said star winger Kye Declase, who played in the Northern Football League on Saturday, was currently away from the club.
Werribee head to Sydney this weekend, facing the Sydney Swans on Sunday.
The Swans sit in 12th spot.
“The Swans team changes from week to week,” Allan said. “They have quality on every line with some good experienced AFL players
“We would think they might play like the Swans in the AFL with that contested footy. It’s one of the areas that we pride ourselves on, winning the contest.
“We want to match them there and have a good chance to win.”
