Match result: Werribee Tigers 11.9.75 defeated by Sandringham 12.15.87
Venue: Avalon Airport Oval
Conditions: Sun out, very little wind, just seriously cold. Especially in the shade but that goes without saying really. Soggy in the middle.
In action
- Majak Daw (14 disposals, 4 marks)
- Will Fordham (13 disposals, 7 marks, 1 goal)
- Kieran Harper (14 disposals, 5 clearances)
- Luke McDonald (19 disposals, 7 marks, 4 tackles)
- Eric Wallace (8 disposals, 4 marks, 26 hit-outs, 1 goal)
- Mason Wood (18 disposals, 5 marks)
NMFC.com.au's best: Luke McDonald
Story of the game
The two top eight sides fought out a tough battle at Werribee’s home ground but a strong final term from Sandringham proved the difference.
Playing without Scott McMahon in defence after he withdrew late due to a virus, the Tigers managed to edge ahead by eight points early in the fourth, before the Zebras took full control of the match.
Ahmed Saad was the catalyst with two goals in the term.
Will Fordham nailed a set shot with three and a half minutes to go and closed the gap to 13-points but the Tigers ran out of time.
The win sent the Zebras to the top of the ladder.
Werribee now sits 7-6 on the season after its second straight loss.
Points of interest
1. Luke McDonald found some timely form impressing North’s development coaches with his strong one-on-one defence.
“Luke was strong in the contest and used the ball really well,” Ben Dyer told NMFC.com.au.
“It was a much better game from him and he was doing the things we’ve come to expect of him. With some potential injuries after the match against Essendon in the seniors to Macmillan and Mullett, he’s put himself in a good position.”
2. Majak Daw returned to his best with a dominant first half and threatened to blow the game open before Sandringham put more time into him.
“No one could tackle him and he was super-strong in tight,” Dyer said.
“He was marking the ball well and was forcing turnovers too. He faded a little after halftime but it was a much better showing from him after last week.
“He had a couple of shots on goal but couldn’t convert unfortunately.”
3. Eric Wallace enjoyed a great battle in the ruck with fellow American recruit Jason Holmes.
“It was a really great match-up,” Dyer said.
“Both enjoyed periods of dominance in the middle and around the stoppages but it was pleasing for us to see Eric push forward and have an impact. He took two good contested grabs and kicked a goal which is great for his confidence.”
Most likely call-up: Luke McDonald
Next week: Sunday, July 26 v Box Hill, 2.00pm at Avalon Airport Oval
