Match result: Werribee 19.13.127 defeated Footscray 12.13.85
Venue: Whitten Oval
Conditions: Nice and sunny, but a strong wind favoured one side of the ground
Story of the game
After a week off due to an early season bye, Werribee resumed its VFL season against Footscray at Whitten Oval.
Greeted by a strong wind – worth at least three to four goals – to one end of the ground, winning the toss was vital.
Luckily, Werribee called it correctly and took full advantage of the breeze. Six goals in the first quarter meant a 33-point advantage. But just as important was what happened in the second quarter going against it.
The term was essentially a draw and Werribee’s accuracy was significant. The Tigers booted five goals straight to Footscray’s 4.7 keeping the margin at 32 going into the long break.
Photo courtesy of Jonathan Di Maggio
Werribee peppered the scoreboard in the third but this time, inaccuracy prevented the margin from blowing out. 6.8 to 3.0 meant the Tigers led by 58 points with a quarter to play.
Despite Footscray kicking with the wind in the final term, Werribee was never seriously challenged and eventually won by 42 points.
What John Lamont said
Pre-game
“Our objective at quarter time is that we’ve played the way we want to play. Penetrate the game, make them defend us.”
QT: Werribee 6.4.40 lead Footscray 1.1.7
“Let’s cover off, let’s get organised. Nothing easy to them (Footscray), press up, Into the breeze now (in the second quarter), we have to honour the lead, keep your eyes low.”
3QT: Werribee 17.12.114 lead Footscray 8.8.56
“We’ve just got to hold our nerve. Terrific around the stoppages since quarter time, let’s make sure we’ve got the balance around there. Organised, knowing what we’re doing. Contested ball, game is built on that.”
FT: Werribee 19.13.127 defeated Footscray 12.13.85
“It was really pleasing. A couple of weeks ago against Frankston I was critical of our game sense. Not so today. We played much more intelligently. It was a positive day.”
By the numbers
Best of the AFL
Mason Wood – 23 disposals, 8 marks, 5 inside 50’s, 4 goals
“I had a massive focus on defensive acts, tackling and that kind of thing. It was a different game for me to really break into that side I’ve got to do those things.
“I think I did them as well as I’ve done, so I’m happy with that side of my game.”
RELATED: Wood's new focus
Trent Dumont – 25 disposals, 9 clearances, 6 tackles, 6 inside 50’s, 1 goal
“It’s obviously good to get the hands on the footy. Footscray are a really good contested ball side so it was good to perform (against them).”
Will Fordham – 20 disposals, 7 marks, 3 goals
"Will can just outrun blokes at this level, he's going to be really important for us all year." - Mason Wood
Best of the VFL
Dane McFarlane – 3 goals, 10 disposals
Playing as a small forward, McFarlane was dangerous every time the ball was at ground level in Werribee’s 50. His three goals were just reward for his pressure on the Bulldogs’ defenders.
Matt Hanson – 22 disposals, 5 clearances
After 35 disposals a fortnight ago, Hanson continued on his good form with a further 22 against Footscray. Teaming up well with the likes of Dumont and co, the Werribee midfielder was again influential in tight.
Points of interest
1. Trent Dumont was immovable in the centre, picking up nine clearances in amongst 25 disposals.
Despite having only played a couple of games with Werribee, Dumont’s understanding with his fellow midfielders was impressive.
“I thought his centre bounce work in particular was terrific,” development manager Ben Dyer told NMFC.com.au.
Photo courtesy of Jonathan Di Maggio
“Trent worked in really well with Maj (Majak Daw) and Preussy (Braydon Preuss) when he was in there. He was able to drive out of stoppages and get on the fly there. Around the ground he used the ball really well. He was considered when he needed to be and quick when he needed to be. It was quite a well-rounded game.”
2. For Aaron Mullett, it was a slightly different role at Whitten Oval on Saturday.
He responded well though and his 23 disposals were important.
“He hasn’t played a heap on the wing, it’s been more in defence as we know,” Dyer explained.
“He set up well and that allowed him to get used and then run and link as well. Particularly on a day like today when you’re into the wind, when you get someone who can carry and break the line it’s really beneficial. For the depth in our wing players, to have him going through there allows us to consider him for it (at AFL level) when the time comes.”
3. No Werribee player found the ball more than Brad McKenzie. His 27 disposals were largely off half-back, setting up the Tigers’ rebound.
“He was proactive in his defending. He was able to come forward and impact a number of times, particularly when the wind allowed you to do so. Early on it was more just a case of batten down the hatches and defend first. As the game went on and it opened up a little more, he was able to get involved running some of those patterns that he’s been working on.”
4. A model of consistency, Farren Ray was crucial on a day when structures were vital.
The strong, swirling wind meant either side could get a run-on, which is why Ray’s knowledge of his own game was so helpful.
“His off-ball run is really, really strong. He can get back and help the defence, or be an outlet the other way. Sometimes that defence can turn into offence – once we win the ball back he’s instantly in a good position going the other way. It’s all about work rate for him, he’s been doing it for his entire career. He knows where to run and he runs hard, so when you combine those two things it’s a pretty good combination.”
Photo courtesy of Jonathan Di Maggio
5. With Mullett and Ray spending time up in the middle and on the wings, Will Fordham spent more of his game closer to goal.
The rookie was rewarded with three goals of his own to go with 20 disposals.
“At AFL level, if your wingers can go forward or back, it gives you that rotation flexibility that you need,” Dyer said.
“He was strong over the ball, able to break tackles and release on his terms. To kick three was a good reward.”
Most likely AFL call-ups: Mason Wood, Trent Dumont, Aaron Mullett
Next week: v Williamstown at Avalon Airport Oval, Saturday May 7, 7:00pm EST
Photo courtesy of Jonathan Di Maggio
