Match result
Werribee 9.12 (66) defeated by Footscray Bulldogs 17.15 (117)
In action
Jed Anderson (20 disposals, 4 tackles, 1 goal)
Ryan Clarke (22 disposals, 5 tackles, 2 goals)
Majak Daw (12 disposals, 10 hit outs, 1 goal)
Sam Durdin (11 disposals, 3 tackles, 4 rebound 50s)
Will Fordham (18 disposals, 6 marks, 1 goal)
Nick Larkey (8 disposals, 4 marks, 2 hit outs)
Declan Mountford (20 disposals, 7 marks, 5 inside 50s)
Daniel Nielsen (14 disposals, 3 marks, 3 rebound 50s)
Matthew Taylor (12 disposals, 2 marks, 6 rebound 50s)
Declan Watson (19 disposals, 5 marks, 2 inside 50s)
Josh Williams (12 disposals, 3 marks, 2 tackles)
Cameron Zurhaar (10 disposals, 4 marks, 3 tackles)
Story of the game
It was a dark day for Werribee at Whitten Oval, as the Tigers took on the reigning VFL premiers under lights.
Footscray led from start to finish in a hotly contested match, where 12 North players were on display in the yellow and black.
Both Mason Wood and Ed Vickers-Willis received a promotion to the AFL side after strong performances with Werribee last week, giving others the chance to put their hand up for selection.
Unfortunately for Werribee, Footscray was simply too strong and were superior across all lines.
Despite the scoreline, there were still plenty of positives to take out of the clash. Ryan Clarke, Declan Mountford and Jed Anderson were among the Tigers’ best.
Best of the AFL
Ryan Clarke
North’s number 13 again impressed in the midfield, as well as up forward kicking two goals in a losing side.
Roos’ Development Manager Ben Dyer said Clarke showed some positive signs during the clash.
“Ryan was probably our most consistent player for the night,” Dyer said.
“He was able to get forward well and hurt the opposition when we did have the ball.
“Ryan would be wanting to improve his hands in close, because that’s the one thing tonight that let him down on occasion, but his ability to fight through the tackle and get forward and hurt the opposition was impressive.”
Best of the VFL
Michael Sodomaco
The skipper led his side from the front, providing plenty of run from the defensive 50.
Sodomaco was influential throughout the match, looking dangerous whenever he had the ball in hand.
Werribee’s number three had 20 touches and six rebound 50s.
Talking points
Anderson pushes his case
Jed Anderson was named as an emergency for the AFL side this week, so he’s clearly on the match committee’s radar.
Anderson started Saturday night’s match in the midfield and spent plenty of time alongside Western Bulldogs regular, Caleb Daniel and will no doubt give the coaches some food for thought on whether he has earned a senior recall.
Watson’s debut
Declan Watson got his first taste of senior VFL action and certainly didn’t look out of place.
The youngster stood tall in defence and will learn plenty from his first outing.
Clarke’s goals
Clarke kicked two impressive goals during the match and was one of Werribee's best.
He’ll be keen to see a return to the AFL side and did his best on a tough night out.
Saturday night lights
A decent crowd descended on Whitten Oval for the round two fixture, with some youngsters getting to experience footy under lights for the first time.
While there may have been plenty of Dogs in the crowd, there was plenty of support for the Tigers as well.
Photos
