WERRIBEE Centrals battled gamely in the face of a long injury list to restore parity to their Geelong and District Football League win-loss sheet with a 71-point victory over Corio at Galvin Park on Saturday.
The Centurions split their opening month 2-2 and ride a two-game win streak, despite having their depth tested to the maximum with 16 players in the medical ward.
Centurions player-coach Luke Phipps concedes his side won “ugly” over Corio but can see a gradual improvement from the horror opening two weeks when it was soundly beaten.
Click on the image below for our picture gallery of the big game – and the netball clash.
“It’s definitely good to have a couple of wins on the board,” he said.
“It hasn’t been as pretty as I would’ve liked, but sometimes you’ve just got to win ugly and get the points.
“There’s definitely been improvement and more to come.”
The Centurions had their fair share of inside 50s – more than 70 on the day – but Phipps felt his side could have used the forward line a lot better.
They managed 37 scoring shots from those entries and less than 50per cent of their scoring shots were converted.
This was due in part to the sloppy disposal to the forwards, who were put under immense pressure by their own teammates.
“The forwards worked really well to get into position,” Phipps said. “Nearly 50per cent of those inside 50s came back out. That’s what we’ve got to work on.”
The Centurions had the game under lock and key with a 36-point lead at three-quarter-time and buried the visitors with a scintillating seven straight last-quarter goals. Tyren Montebruno and Craig Rosenzwieg booted five apiece.
Brayden Smith relished the freedom to roam for best-on-ground honours.
Phil Jones continued his stellar season with another high-possession game in the midfield.
“He plays anywhere: on the wing, back line, forward line, midfield, he just gets it done,” Phipps said.
“He’s probably averages 30 or 35 touches a week, he’s very fit, very agile, efficient by foot and doesn’t miss targets.
“He’s a real asset to the club.”
The positive to come out of the Centurions’ injury carnage is the opportunity to play youngsters who might not have got an opportunity.
Carl Chesterton and Callan Novinec are taking their chances with both hands.
The Centurions will be hoping to get on the winning side of the ledger when they travel to Geelong West on Saturday.
