Sitting third on the table and with a healthy percentage, Werribee would be delighted with its start to the season. But complacency can be a downfall, and with just two wins separating the Tigers and ninth place, Saturday’s clash against Casey becomes all the more important.
Melbourne’s affiliate the Scorpions are second on the table with just one loss for the season and boast the likes of Ricky Petterd, Jordan Gysberts and Cale Morton in their line-up.
Werribee boasts a strong North contingent though, and will be hoping to make the most of that experience. Cameron Pedersen, Ben Speight, Ben McKinley and Ben Warren have all been named up forward and loom as a dangerous attacking combination.
That’s where the midfield battle and first use becomes important. Majak Daw leads the ruck division, but it remains to be seen just who he’ll be working with given Kieran Harper, Levi Greenwood, Will Sierakowski and Sam Gibson have all been named in both the VFL and North's 25-man squad.
One man certain to be alongside Daw is Malcolm Lynch. The rookie was a key figure early last week, but he’ll be looking for a more consistent four-quarter performance.
Also looking to impress will be Ayden Kennedy who edges closer to a debut by the week with his continued improvement.
While North Melbourne prepares for its huge match against the Saints, in Williamstown several Kangaroos will be looking to put their names forward for selection.
Aaron Edwards will aim to make his presence felt once again coming off a dominant performance. The hard-working forward was a permanent fixture for North early in the year, but now needs to perform to break back into the side.
In a similar position, Aaron Black found himself omitted after a string of games in the AFL, but is sure to get more opportunities in the near future.
The Roosters’ midfield has a North flavour too. Ben Mabon has been named as starting ruck, while Cam Richardson, Aaron Mullett and Gavin Urquhart are likely to spend some time through the centre.
Having won its last three matches, North Ballarat needs a win to keep itself in the frame for finals.
Werribee Tigers vs. Casey Scorpions
Saturday 30th June
Avalon Airport Oval at 2:00 PM
Werribee Tigers
B: Mangan Kennedy O'Dwyer
HB: Harding Hartigan Sherlock
C: Harper Greenwood Lynch
HF: Mather Pedersen Speight
F: Castello McKinley Warren
R: Daw Sierakowski Gibson
Int: Battaglia Ablett Bolton Paliouras Sullivan Wormald Sharp Sheahan Ruggles Keras Ross Tuck Moloney
Williamstown vs. North Ballarat
Sunday 1st July
Burbank Oval at 2:00 PM
North Ballarat
B: C. Delaney L. Delaney Greig
HB: McKenzie Searl Warren
C: Towers Cunnington Urquhart
HF: A. Edwards Austin Black
F: Micallef McMahon George
R: Mabon Sewell Couch
Int: Richardson Mullett Hoy Grigg Conroy Garlett Nicholls Anthony Campbell Giampaolo Schache Lynch
