48-points down during the third quarter, Werribee had reduced the margin to just five against Geelong. There was another twist to come; Ayden Kennedy dodged an opponent and kicked long into attack with only seconds remaining. Ben McKinley had found front spot in a scoring position, but contact from behind restricted him taking the mark. Play on was called. Game over.
It was a brave comeback, and almost turned into a remarkable victory, but it all meant little when the final siren sounded - it was a loss.
The reaction of the Tigers players down on their haunches said it all. They’d left their run too late, and their season was over as a result.
“They should never have allowed that to happen,” North development coach John Lamont told kangaroos.com.au.
“When it’s five points, it’s just so disappointing to have played as poorly as we had in the first half and then make specific mistakes that let the opposition in for goals.
"It’s such a hard game footy, to let opportunities like that slip is really disappointing.”
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Werribee fought back with four goals in a row, then dominated the final quarter thanks to some inspired individual efforts, but ultimately fell short.
“We clawed our way back in and some of the North Melbourne blokes were instrumental in that."
Lamont was particularly impressed by the efforts of Sudanese-rookie Daw.
“Against two genuine big men in Orren Stephenson and Dawson Simpson in the ruck, both 200+ centimetres and 100 kilograms, (he) jumped well and followed up,” he said.
“That was really pleasing, his follow-up. He’s had about six tackles and effected a lot of pressure in his follow-up and second possessions, and created a pathway for the little blokes.”
Daw finished with 17 disposals and 25 hit-outs.
“He took some really good marks, kicked a couple of really good goals. He took a step forward today Majak.”
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“He would have been frustrated at times because we weren’t getting the ball inside 50, and when it did come in it was pretty slow and pretty difficult for him.
“He took a big hit (in the last quarter)and then at the very next stoppage put himself into a position to win the ball and earnt a free kick. He went back calmly and kicked a goal. It was a good professional effort. He’s really committed to the task and did well.”
The forward finished with 3 goals and 14 disposals, while Ben Warren chimed in with 3 of his own.
Meanwhile, Sam Gibson returned from the AFL to have a big impact in the middle, finishing with 29 possessions and 2 goals.
“He did well because he’s probably at the end of his tether a little bit with the AFL year (ending). His pressure efforts were pretty good. He works hard.”
A last quarter miskick that resulted in a Cats’ goal did little to overshadow the efforts of Cameron Pedersen.
“When the acid was on, Pedo was in there with repeat efforts.
“It’s a shame that he was really trying to force the play, and miskicked it. It was a crucial one in the end, but that’s footy.”
Pedersen finished with 18 touches, likewise Malcolm Lynch who showed pleasing signs with his run and carry.
Under pressure down back, Ayden Kennedy had 9 touches, while Brad Mangan made several important stops and spoils before being pushed forward late as Werribee tried to snatch the win.
Will Sierakowski was a valuable link player with 15 disposals, and Ben Speight had just 10 but worked hard when he didn't have the ball.
Werribee Tigers 1.3 4.5 9.10 15.13 (103)
Geelong Cats 3.5 9.7 14.9 16.12 (108)
GOALS:
Werribee Tigers: McKinley 3 Warren 3 Gibson 2 Castello 2 Daw 2 Speight Lynch Martiniello
Geelong Cats: Brown 3 Stephenson 2 Holden 2 Burbury 2 Stringer 2 Hogan 2 Byrnes Kersten Walker
BEST:
Werribee Tigers: Gibson Daw Sierakowski Castello Hartigan McKinley
Geelong Cats: Stephenson Bathie Simpkin Eardley Schroder Stringer Selwood
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