Werribee Tigers were afforded the rare privilege of breathing space in a 77-point win over Frankston Dolphins at Avalon Airport Oval on Sunday, preserving their spot at the top of the Victorian Football League ladder.
The Tigers had played a succession of closely fought contests this season, so the blow-out margin was a chance for the players and coaches to really soak up a victory and not endure a suspenseful wait for the final siren.
The players did not abuse the privilege, keeping up the momentum they built earlier in the match and sticking to disciplined football right to the final siren.
The effort delighted Tigers coach John Lamont.
“There was no inkling of complacency whatsoever,” he said. “A little bit less stress in the coaches box, too, as it’s the first game of the year that hasn’t gone right to the wire. They kept the pressure on.”
The conductor of the Tiger show was once again ruckman Daniel Currie.
Currie was influential in all sections of the ground, ranging from 41 hit-outs in the ruck, through to smart positioning for 11 marks and five goals in attack.
He is going from strength to strength this season and it would seem that only incumbent Roo ruckman Todd Goldstein stands between him and an AFL call-up with North Melbourne.
“He had a great game, without a doubt,” Lamont said. “It’s the sort of game to an extent that we probably expect from him because he’s had such a good year and Frankston were a little bit undermanned in the big man department.”
Majak Daw had a major presence with three goals, 24 hit-outs and nine marks.
The third of the Tigers three bigs, Dylan Reid, was left seeing stars after copping some friendly fire.
He sat out most of the second half and will need to pass a concussion test later in the week to keep his spot in the team.
The Tigers’ midfield – led by Jye Bolton, Matt Hanson and Isaac Conway – was on top all day.
They were supported well by the hard running of Ben Speight and Will Fordham.
Scott McMahon and Jake Wilson were calming influences in defence.
McMahon also pinch hit forward to boot two goals.
“It was a really good, even contribution,” Lamont said.
It was not all good news for the Tigers.
Youngster Jake Sharp looks set to miss the rest of the season after sustaining a serious knee injury.
He broke into the senior side as the 23rd man last season, held his place and then featured in the finals.
The wingman-defender has played every game this season and was showing loads of potential until his injury.
“He’s just landed a bit awkwardly,” Lamont said. “It’s a terribly disappointing injury for him and the club.
“He’ll be operated on early next week and we’ll support him to the best of our ability.
“He’s a level-headed young man … hopefully the operation will go well and he’ll get on the road to recovery.”
The Tigers (5-1) face a tough challenge on the road at Sandringham (3-3) on Saturday.
