After a disappointing performance in the Western derby against Williamstown last week, Werribee Tigers were looking to rebound against Port Melbourne and drew confidence from how poor the Borough can be away from home.
The Tigers could scored just one first quarter goal against the wind, but showed improvement in the second and third quarter before an error littered final quarter cost them.
Tigers coach Simon Atkins thought it wasn’t over use of the football that cost his charges, it was more a lack of sticking to games plans that cost them.
“It was our fault that we lost the game of football, I don’t think (it was) over use little bit of indirection and a little bit of following our game plan in the last quarter (was what cost us),” he said.
After a consistent and positive third quarter performance, Atkins was disappointed with how it all fell apart in the last quarter.
“I was really disappointed with what we did in the last quarter coming off such a really positive and well functioned third quarter, we executed what we spoke about at half-time really well,” he said.
“I put it back on the players to take some ownership (for) what they did as a team in the last quarter that really cost us a winnable game against a team that’s third on the ladder.”
Ben Sharp was best on ground for his relentless pressure around the packs as he laid a team high 11 tackles.
Ben Ross (32 disposals) put his hand up for re-inclusion in the North Melbourne team with a consistent midfield performance, while Sam Wright again got through unscathed in his third game since returning from injury.
Atkins had nothing but praise for Ross, who was playing in his first game back at Werribee for several weeks.
“I think he was a clear winner for us to be able to break the line with his speed and his space to give us an opportunity to look dangerous,” he said.
Robbie Castello (27 disposals, 7 tackles, 2 blocks) and Michael Barlow (27 disposals) also did a lot of work in the midfield to move the ball forward, but general delivery was poor at times.
James Saker and the rest of the Werribee defence did a sterling job in holding power forward Adrian Bonaddio goal less, something that other teams have struggled to do this season.
Nathan Thompson kicked three goals to be leading goal scorer for the Tigers, while Tim Bongetti and in-form midfielder Michael Barlow chimed in with two of their own.
Best on ground for the Borough was John Baird for his 32 disposal, dominant midfield performance.
Adrian DeLuca kicked four goals for the Borough.
The Werribee Reserves notched up their fourth win for season 2009, with a 21-point win 14.12.96 to 11.9.75
After a poor first quarter of sorts by the Tigers, they were much better in the next three as they played a much better and more determined brand of football.
The Borough worked their way back into the contest a number of times with some crucial goals, but it wasn’t showing via scoreboard pressure at all.
A strong last quarter performance ensured that the Tigers were finally able to get another win, something that has been hard to come by so far this year.
David Kovacevic (30 disposals) was best on ground with an impressive performance in a new midfield role after traditionally playing as a ruckman.
Kovacevic also chimed in with three goals, while Rhyce Prismall, Jordan Robbins and former Port Adelaide rookie Daniel Boyle all contributed with two goals each.
Next for the Tigers is a trip down to the Mornington Peninsula, with an away game against Frankston on Sunday.
Werribee Tigers 1.3 4.7 9.8 11.10-76
Port Melbourne 5.6 6.7 9.14 11.16-82
Werribee Tigers
Goal Kickers: N. Thompson 3, T. Bongetti 2, M. Barlow 2, B. Ross, A. Obst, R. Castello, D. Gleeson
Best Players: B. Sharp, R. Castello, J. Saker, B. Ross, J. Magnabosco, T. Bongetti
Port Melbourne
Goal Kickers: A. Deluca 3, S. Dwyer, R. McMahon, T. Pinwill, D. Pitt, D. Robbins, W. Schultz, H. O''Farrell, P. Hassett
Best Players: J. Baird, C. McGrath, R. McMahon, S. Dwyer, C. Cain, A. Deluca
Statistics:
Ben Ross - 21 kicks, 11 handballs, 7 marks, 20 handball receives, 6 clearances, 1 goal
Matt Riggio - 7 kicks, 10 handballs, 4 tackles, 4 blocks
Sam Wright - 7 kicks, 3 handballs, 5 handball receives, 2 tackles
Alan Obst - 5 kicks, 4 handballs, 4 marks, 6 tackles, 1 goal
Levi Greenwood - 4 kicks, 4 handballs, 5 tackles (50% game time - played Sunday v Hawthorn)
Ben Speight - 7 kicks, 2 handballs, 4 tackles
Nathan O’Keefe - 2 kicks, 3 handballs, 2 marks, 2 tackles
Conor Meredith - 5 kicks, 5 handballs, 8 handball receives (reserves)
