Match result: Sandringham 15.11.101 defeated Werribee 8.13.61
Venue: Trevor Barker Oval
Conditions:Cold and then the wind made it really cold. No rain though which was a positive.
In action
- Leigh Adams (28 disposals, 5 marks, 5 tackles, 6 clearances)
- Daniel Currie (10 disposals, 5 marks, 33 hit-outs)
- Majak Daw (18 disposals, 8 marks, 5 goals, 12 hit-outs)
- Will Fordham (16 disposals, 4 marks)
- Ed Vickers-Willis (injured – shoulder)
- Mason Wood (17 disposals, 5 marks)
- Eric Wallace (development league, stats available in the coming days)
NMFC.com.au’s best: Majak Daw, Leigh Adams
Matchups
- Daniel Currie v Jason Holmes
- Majak Daw v Hugh Goddard/Mellard
- Ed Vickers-Willis v Tim Membrey
Story of the game
Jumped early, it took the several minutes for the Tigers to find their feet and get into the game against the Zebras.
Lapses in concentration would have frustrated coach John Lamont. While his side got within reach on a number of occasions, it was never able to take the lead and allowed too many easy goals.
Despite a goalless second term, Werribee went into the main break just 16 points in arrears.
“We tackle at the hips. We were clumsy, we fell into their backs. Let’s get those little things right,” John Lamont urged his men in the huddle at quarter time.
“We weren’t up on them. Get up on them, create the turnovers. Close that gap up, swamp them. We will score this quarter if we’re hard enough and strong enough. Make sure we’re hard, make sure we’re smart.”
The blustery conditions abated in the second half but the Tigers couldn’t capitalise and were only able to cut the buffer by one point going into the final break.
“You’ve got enough character to win this game if you really want to win it,” Lamont said at three-quarter time.
“You’ve just got to keep at it, keep at it, keep at it!”
Although they had their chances to take the lead in the fourth quarter, Werribee let the margin blowout with a string of Zebra goals late in the game. It was certainly a case of the final score line not reflecting the difference between the sides.
Points of interest
1. Majak Daw continued a sensational month of football adding another five goals to his season tally. Playing less time in the ruck than in previous weeks, he showed his worth as a genuine key forward and troubled the Sandringham defence.
“When he went forward he just looked so dangerous,” senior development coach Gavin Brown said.
“He marked the ball really well but even some of his ground-level stuff was impressive. His defence was solid and he’s had another fantastic day.
RELATED: Daw closing the gap
“He’s in really good form and it’s not just the marks and goals, it’s a bit of everything.”
2. After a three-month lay off with concussion related issues, Leigh Adams made his long-awaited return to football and showed no signs of losing touch.
The courageous midfielder and small forward collected a team-high 28 disposals in just three and a half quarters of play.
RELATED: One step at a time - Adams
“He was a little scratchy early as you would expect but I thought he was outstanding considering what he’s been through. He was in the centre clearing the ball, he worked really hard and was right in the thick of things.
“He copped a few knocks around the ears but he showed no hesistation.”
Most likely call-up: Majak Daw
Next week: Saturday June 6 v Richmond at Avalon Airport Oval, 2:00pm
