Result: Werribee 15.9 (99) defeated Sandringham 13.8 (86)
Venue: Moorabbin
Weather: Clear skies, sunny, 24c
In action: Majak Daw (10 disposals 22 hit-outs, 2 goals), Michael Firrito (20 disposals, 8 marks), Kieran Harper (4 disposals), Scott McMahon (21 disposals, 11 marks), Kayne Turner (13 disposals, 1 goal), Mason Wood (14 disposals, 7 marks, 5 i50), Tim McGenniss (38 disposals, 15 marks)
NMFC.com.au’s best: Tim McGenniss
Goals: Majak Daw (2), Kayne Turner (1)
Key match-ups
1. Jarred "Bulldog" Moore vs Maverick Weller
2. Majak Daw vs Josh Bruce/Billy Longer
3. Tim McGenniss vs Jack Billings
Story of the game
After an even first half, Werribee got on top of the Zebras by using their spare defender much more effectively in the second half. Some game-breaking overlap and run opened the game right up and enable the Tigers to get on top. However it quickly became a battle of attrition with Werribee players falling like flies late in the game. The contest became a real scrap late in the fourth quarter and despite playing without their two rucks, the Tigers managed to hold on for a fourth consecutive win of the pre-season.
What the coach said
"It was pleasing the boys kept their composure late in the game when injuries started to become a factor and Sandy really started to make a move. We were down to 19-men at one point with no ruckman and to hold on and win was really encouraging." - Development coach Jarred Moore
Points of Interest
1. An off the ball incident left Majak Daw on his back and dazed for several minutes in the final term. He was taken from the ground and did not return after kicking 2 goals and recording 22 hit-outs.
"Majak is still working on improving his consistency. When he attacks the ball he's such a dynamic player." - Development Manager Ben Dyer.
2. Kieran Harper had his first run of the year after post-season (2013) and pre-season ankle surgery. Despite being understandably rusty, he played a half of footy and pulled up well.
"Harps got to some good positions and you can tell that with a few more games under his belt, he'll be back to where we know he should be. It was an encouraging first game for him." - Development Manager Ben Dyer.
3. Tim McGenniss had a career best 38 possession day and'used the ball well under pressure.
"Tim's building his experience as a half-back and he's starting to get that balance between defending and also running off and creating when the opportunity arises. It was a real step in the right direction for him against some quality opposition which included the likes of Jack Billings." - Development Manager Ben Dyer.
4. Jarred Moore's second career hit-out late in the game when Werribee was without a ruckman.
"I looked up and we had no ruckman with Majak off. Bulldog took it upon himself to do the ruck duties and got the hit-out much to everyone's surprise." - Development Manager Ben Dyer.
Next week: Round 1 vs Box Hill, Box Hill City Oval
