Match result

Werribee 14.13.97 defeated Essendon 9.20.74

In action

Sam Durdin (17 disposals, 10 marks)
Will Fordham (13 disposals)
Mitchell Hibberd (23 disposals, 6 marks, 8 rebound 50s)
Nick Larkey (5 disposals, 3 marks)
Declan Mountford (21 disposals, 5 clearances)
Daniel Nielson (10 disposals)
Braydon Preuss (9 disposals, 50 hit-outs, 5 clearances)
Andrew Swallow (24 disposals, 10 tackles, 8 clearances)
Matthew Taylor (8 disposals)
Lindsay Thomas (11 disposals, 4 marks, 4 goals)
Corey Wagner (13 disposals, 5 marks, 2 goals)
Declan Watson (10 disposals) 
Josh Williams (17 disposals, 3 clearances, 1 goal)
Cameron Zurhaar (8 disposals, 5 marks) 

Story of the game

Football returned to Arden Street as Werribee searched for its first win of the VFL season.

The Tigers were bolstered by the inclusions of Andrew Swallow, Lindsay Thomas, Corey Wagner, Mitchell Hibberd and Braydon Preuss and got off to the perfect start with Wagner kicking the first goal of the afternoon.

Thomas had multiple score assists in the first quarter, then got on the board himself early in the second term. Werribee inched its way out to a 16-point lead at half time, but the game turned on its resumption.

Essendon completely dominated the first 15 minutes of the third quarter, but only had a result of 1.8 to show for it.

When Will Fordham’s long kick through the middle of the ground kickstarted a Werribee counter attack, the home side was able to steady and kick away.

Five of the next six goals broke the game open, and Werribee ran out winners by 23 points.

Best of the AFL

Lindsay Thomas
In his first VFL game for two years, Thomas was a key figure in the forward 50. He kicked four goals for the afternoon and set up multiple more. 

Best of the VFL

Matt Hanson
Hanson was again important through the Werribee midfield, driving play with his disposal.

Talking points

Swallow’s return
The former North Melbourne captain played his first ever VFL game for Werribee, alternating between the middle and half forward.

After a quietish first half, Swallow worked his way into the game in the second half and had a big impact in the Tigers' victory.

Zurhaar's first half 
Rookie Cam Zurhaar was everywhere in the first half, as the most dangerous forward on the field.

He took several marks and was ferocious around the contest in attack. 

Preuss back in action
After being rested last week, Braydon Preuss dominated the ruck battle against his Essendon opponent.

He didn't have a huge impact around the field, with nine disposals, but pulled down a couple of strong marks and would have done his chances of a recall no harm. 

Chase down tackles
Declan Mountford and Josh Williams had arguably the plays of the day, both with superb chase down tackles.

The duo both saved what looked like certain Essendon scoring shots at the very least, if not goals.

Defence holds firm
During Essendon’s period of dominance, Werribee’s defensive group had to stand firm under extreme pressure.

Led by Sam Durdin and Daniel Nielson, the Tigers were able to do just that, allowing them to kick away when they seized the momentum back.