Tara Murray
It was said it couldn’t be done, but Werribee has claimed the Victorian Football League premiership.
The Tigers made last year’s decider before just falling short to the Gold Coast Suns, but not many expected them to be back on the final day of the year this time round.
Coach Michael Barlow left to head to the AFL, while several club legends retired and the list changed dramatically.
With a new, younger list, the Tigers were written off by many,
But they forgot to tell this determined group of Werribee players.
They claimed the Tigers first minor premiership since 2005, when coach Jimmy Allan was playing at the club.
Two tough finals followed and the Tigers were back in the grand final for a second straight year. This year they faced Southport.
In the battle of the standalone clubs, it was Werribee that got the win just. a
Like the two other matches this season, it went down to the wire.
Werribee claimed this one 10.9 (69)-8.15 (63) and with it their first premiership since 1993.
It didn’t look like the Tigers would get there early on.
They struggled in the first half but were still in the game at half time, trailing by 13 points.
Allan gave them one of the best cooks ever according to Dom Brew at the half time break.
The Sharks kicked the first goal of the third quarter, before the Tigers kicked the seven goals to lead by 25 points early in the fourth quarter.
Southport kept coming and got within a goal, 26 minutes into the final quarter.
The Tigers were able to hold on for dear life to get the win.
Speaking straight after the game, Allan said it hadn’t really sunk in what they had done.
“There was not one bit of joy in watching that game,” he said. “It was the worst experience I think I’ve had in footy, I don’t think it will sink in for a little bit.
“Just happy we came out on the right side.”
Brew, who stepped in as captain when Nick Coughlan got injured, said it was a dream come true.
Midfielder Jack Henderson was awarded the Norm Goss Medal as the player judged best on ground, which was presented by last year’s winner, former Werribee player Shaun Mannagh.
It was a real Werribee affair on the stage with president Martin Carter and chief executive Mark Penaluna presenting the medals.
Donald McDonald, who coached the Tigers last premiership in 1993, presented the premiership cup to Allan, Brew and Coughlan.
For all the reaction and photos, keep an eye on the website.
