The Werribee Tigers got their season back on track with a 17-point win over Collingwood at Chirnside Park on Saturday.
Starting off games well has been an issue for the Tigers this season, but Collingwood matched them on the scoreboard with three first quarter goals.
A close tussle ensured over the next three quarters, as very little separated either side as they matched each other goal for goal but Collingwood lost some forward spark as Sean Rusling was forced off with a hip complaint.
The loss of Rusling during the second quarter cost the Magpies some much needed fire power as Tigers full back James Saker made sure their forwards had minimal impact.
Atkins thought that team spirit and confidence got his team over the line.
“I thought our spirit was right across the board for the four quarters and it was a real key point to the way we were going to play,” he said.
“Just staying involved in the game and although we may have been beaten on the scoreboard, we just had to remain confident.”
Saker did a superb job at full back as he nullified veteran full-forward Anthony Rocca from having a serious impact and Atkins had nothing but praise for the young defender.
“Sakes is learning all the time and to be able to play on key forwards (Rocca, Rusling) is really good."
Michael Rockefeller (31 disposals, 6 clearances, 6 tackles) was best on ground for his game in the midfield and he proved his worth even further with two handy goals.
Robbie Castello (32 disposals. 7 clearances, 1 tackle) got more of the ball than usual, as he helped with Tigers propel the ball forward.
Atkins was impressed with the leadership group member’s performance and general endeavour.
“It was a consistent performance and I put him in our best,” he said.
“It was consistency right across the board (from him), in the end we had to put him to Blair because he was still getting out of control and he was still able to get the football.”
Marty Pask kicked three goals in a good performance at centre half-forward and he received great support from the returning Nathan Thompson who booted two.
Best on ground for the Magpies was rookie Jarryd Blair who racked up 27 disposals in a stand out midfield performance.
Ruckman Cameron Wood kicked three goals to be the leading goal kicker for the Magpies, after being forced to fill a forward void left by Rusling.
North- Melbourne listed ruckman Todd Goldstein (38 hit-outs) had his best performance in Werribee colours for the season and is certain to push for AFL selection.
The Werribee Reserves lost to Williamstown by 98-points 6.7.43 to 21.15.141
After a less than impressive performance against the Casey Scorpions last week, the Tigers were looking to get another win but it wasn’t to be against defending premiers in Williamstown.
Williamstown played a much better brand of football as the Tigers were simply outclassed in every department.
Andrew Banjanin was best on ground for his versatile 12 disposal, 8 hit-out and one goal performance.
Werribee had no multiple goal kickers in a disappointing performance and coach Darren Findlay will want his charges to address this.
Next for the Tigers is a clash against Box Hill on Sunday week, with action under way at 2pm.
Werribee Tigers 3.1 7.2 9.7 15.15-105
Collingwood 3.6 7.8 11.8 13.10-88
Werribee Tigers
Goal Kickers: M. Pask 3, N. Thompson 2, M. Rockefeller 2, W. Martiniello 2, G. Denton, L. Adams, B. Dickson, F. Chisholm, S. Howard, B. Sharp
Best Players: M. Rockefeller, W. Martiniello, M. Barlow, L. Adams, T. Goldstein, R. Castello
Collingwood
Goal Kickers: C. Wood 3, C. Bryan 2, T. Francis 2, R. Cook, C. Dawes, D. Beams, S. Reed, A. Rocca, A. Corrie
Best Players: J. Blair, T. Goldsack, K. Dyas, B. MacAffer, D. Stanley, R. Cook
Meanwhile at Eastern Oval, North Ballarat overcame an early scare against Frankston to record a 31 point victory.
The Roosters trailed by eight points at half time, but three goals to Michael Wundke and two to Josh Smith helped North Ballarat to a seven goal to one second half.
Liam Anthony again put his hand up for senior selection with a telling performance through the midfield, while rookie Marcus White continues to impress.
Stay tuned to kangaroos.com.au on Tuesday for a full match report.
North Ballarat 3.3 4.7 9.10 11.11-77
Frankston 2.1 6.3 6.3 7.4-46
North Ballarat
Goal Kickers: M. Wundke 3, J. Smith 2, J. Spolding 2, M. Sewell, S. Clifton, S. Dinnell, N. Peters
Best Players: M. Searl, L. Anthony, M. Sewell, M. White, N. Peters, T. Cartledge
Frankston
Goal Kickers: A. Murray 2, N. Winterton, D. Limbach, T. Dickson, M. Marigliani, D. Keely
Best Players: P. Rogasch, N. Winterton, M. Westcott, J. Magner, M. Marigliani, P. Kennedy
