Williamstown spoil Werribee's form
The Werribee Tigers couldn’t back up their great start to season 2009, as they disappointed with 66-point loss to Williamstown at Burbank Oval on Sunday.
After last weeks dominant performance against Bendigo, the Tigers were looking to repeat it against Williamstown but wet and windy conditions, combined with a disappointing effort put a stop to that.
Werribee failed to score in the first quarter and allowed the Seagulls to kick five first goals, which was the start of a dominant home side performance.
Just two more goals came for the Tigers, as the Seagulls defence capitalised on their lack of commitment and sloppy skills during all four quarters.
Tigers coach Simon Atkins didn’t use wind and rain as an excuse; instead he was critical of how his players commitment.
“The opposition played in the wind and rain and all that sort of stuff, I’m not blaming the conditions,” he said.
“I just think the players didn’t adjust and didn’t come committed for the conditions.”
North Melbourne-listed Daniel Harris amassed 29-disposals in the midfield in one of few position performances.
Despite the good performance from Harris, Atkins emphasised the need for his team’s structures and plans to be addressed before next week’s game against Box Hill.
“He really worked hard through the midfield, (he was probably) our most consistent midfielder,” he said.
“There are some other things we need to look (after) in our structures.”
Skipper Dominic Gleeson (26 disposals), Michael Barlow (23 disposals) and Robbie Castello (16 disposals, 5 tackles) were relentless in their midfield pressure, but their efforts were not enough to get the Tigers another win.
North-Melbourne listed ruckman Todd Goldstein racked up 31 hit outs in another consistent performance that is certain his name up for AFL selection.
In the curtain-raiser, the Werribee Reserves lost a close encounter by seven points 9.14.67 to 11.8.74
Matt Riggio, Rhys Prismall and Nathan Black all kicked two goals each with Black also named best on ground.
North Melbourne rookie Ben Speight played his first game in Tigers colours and impressed as he played as a midfielder.
The Tigers play an improved Box Hill Hawks at Chirnside Park on Sunday, with the first bounce scheduled for 2pm.
Werribee Tigers 0.0 1.3 2.5 3.6-24
Williamstown 5.7 5.9 10.15 12.18-90
Werribee Tigers Goal Kickers: R. Castello 2, A. Obst
Best Players: D. Harris, R. Castello, A. Obst, N. Grima, D. Gleeson, S. Wormal