After a consistent performance against the Box Hill Hawks last week, the Tigers were confident of playing against a traditionally rival in a Geelong outfit that contained former favourite son James Podsiadly.
For goals to two in the first quarter suggested that Werribee were looking to be dominant across four quarters, but Geelong kept themselves in the game thanks to some good defending and midfield drive in particular from Ben Raidme (35 disposals).
Tigers coach Simon Atkins felt a lack of composure cost his charges in the last quarter.
“Lack of composure in the last quarter, got a lot of the footy just didn’t use it properly,” he said.
“We didn’t react under pressure and our composure was out.”
Defensive pressure can sometimes cost sides in last quarters and the Cats defenders restricted the Tigers forwards, especially Marty Pask who missed several crucial shots at goal.
However, Pask did again perform consistently by booting three handy goals and although his three misses were costly, there were other reasons why the Tigers were unable to hold on.
Michael Barlow (36 disposals, 7 tackles, 3 blocks) backed up his good midfield performance with another, as he roamed all over the ground and attacked the ball with great vigour.
Atkins thought that Barlow’s use of the football was much better compared to the previous game, but believes there’s still room for improvement.
“It was better than last week, that’s all I say,” he said.
“He can get better than that.”
Tigers skipper Dom Gleeson (23 disposals, 9 tackles, 2 blocks) was again superb with his defensive pressure and won praise from Atkins.
With Todd Goldstein selected in the North Melbourne side, this paved the way for Liam Gardiner to make a return to senior football after missing much of last season with an ankle injury.
Rotating with North Melbourne-listed Alan Obst, Gardiner racked up 15 hit-outs in a serviceable game that also included some great defensive work around the ground.
The Werribee Reserves played Box Hill on Sunday, but the result was unavailable when Leader went to print.
Werribee Tigers 4.7 8.10 11.12 13.14-92
Geelong 2.1 8.4 12.5 15.8-98
Werribee Tigers Goal Kickers: M. Pask 3, T. Bongetti 2, L. Adams 2, S. Kennedy 2, W. Martiniello 2, S. Wright, D. Gleeson
Best Players: M. Barlow, A. Obst, M. Rockefeller, S. Wright, W. Martiniello, D. Gleeson
