Daw (16 possessions, 6 marks and 2 goals) and Daniel Currie (19 possessions, 6 marks, 1 goal) formed a formidable combination in the ruck and up forward and were particularly effective.
The pair combined for three goals and impressed North development coach John Lamont with their ability to counter Bomber veteran David Hille.
“Majak was much more consistent this week. He kicked two goals and missed two others, so he could have easily had four,” Lamont told NMFC.com.au.
“He rucked really well at times, especially in the second half when they turned things around I thought his efforts in the ruck were really important.
“Currie was also very good in the ruck, then went forward, took a great mark and kicked a goal. It’s his third game back now and he’s looking more and more comfortable and confident again.”
After trailing by almost 40-points halfway through Saturday’s match the Tigers were able to mount an unlikely comeback thanks to an even contribution from North’s listed players.
“It’s hard to single guys out because every player contributed really well and played their part in the win,” Lamont added.
“To have almost a 10-goal turnaround was really really pleasing and all of our players really hit back hard. They performed well against an Essendon outfit with players like Scott Gumbleton, Leroy Jetta and Joe Daniher out there.”
Young rookie Tim McGenniss (17 possessions, 1 goal) took another giant leap forward and continues to show a determination and willingness to improve.
“Tim played on Nathan Lovett-Murray from Essendon, had just under 20 possessions himself but also made sure that Lovett-Murray was under pressure and didn’t get as many possessions as he could have.
“He did a really good job on such an experienced AFL player and kicked a lovely goal at the end of the game too.”
Will Sierakowski (20 possessions, 1 goal) was named amongst Werribee’s best and adapted to varied roles.
“Siera (Sierakowski) was okay in the first half on the wing then went into the back half and was really good after half time. His defensive work at key times in the match was really important.”
First year forward Mason Wood (16 possessions, 1 goal) also stood tall when the game was up for grabs.
“Mason was much improved this week. I thought he was a lot more consistent when the ball was in his area and he absorbed the pressure much better. It was a step forward for him which I was happy to see.”
Ayden Kennedy (9 possessions) had a solid game in defence while Sam Wright (8 possessions) made his return to Werribee after being omitted from the North Melbourne side.
“Wright was playing his first game in the VFL for two years. It was tough because he didn’t know a lot of people and found it a challenge to adapt to the different speed and tempo,” Lamont explained.
“He played predominantly through the middle of the ground, inside mid and wing. Some blokes come back straight away and have immediate impact but Sam didn’t and we’ll work with him on that.
“We just have to re-build him a little bit, I know he’ll be right.”
Ben Speight was rested this week and Kieran Harper didn’t play as North’s medical staff opted to give him another week to recover from ankle soreness. Both will return for Werribee in the Foxtel Cup on July 9th in Perth.
Werribee 1.2.8, 5.2.32, 9.7.61, 16.13 109
Essendon 4.6.30, 8.10.58, 10.11.71, 11.14 80
GOALS
Werribee: Brown 3, Moore 2, McKinley 2, Daw 2, Currie, Wood, Sierakowski, Maric, Hicks, McGenniss, Warren
Essendon: Gumbleton 5, Jetta 2, Hardingham, Daniher, Kavanagh, Hams
BEST
Werribee: Currie, Sherlock, Clouston, Moore, Ross, Sierakowski
Essendon: Dalgleish, Colyer, Hardingham, Hille, Jetta, Tipungwuti
