Werribee kicked off its preparations for the 2023 Smithy’s VFL season with an opening practice match win against Frankston on Saturday.

Taking on the Dolphins in the second of three matches at Craigieburn’s Highgate Reserve as part of a preseason Victorian standalone club carnival, the Big W came away with a 8.9 (57) to 1.3 (9) result after four 20-minute quarters.

In warm and blustery conditions not conducive to free-flowing football Werribee was strong at the contest across the game with the most of the team’s scoring coming in the second and fourth quarters with seven of eight goals kicked in those two terms.

A host of young players impressed with Matt Keast, Emmanuel Ajang and new recruit Noah Lever among the leading disposal getters. Fellow new signing Harry Grintell was the leading forward with three goals.

The one setback from the day was a leg injury to starting ruckman Sam Conway who looks likely to be sidelined for a number of weeks.   

FINAL SCORE
Werribee: 1.2 5.4 5.5 8.9 (57)
Frankston: 0.2 0.2 1.2 1.3 (9)

PLAYER STATS
Matt Keast: 19 disposals (6 K, 13 HB), 6 marks, 3 clearances, 7 tackles.
Tom Gribble: 18 disposals (9 K, 9 HB), 5 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 1 goal.
Noah Lever: 18 disposals (9 K, 9 HB), 3 clearances, 7 tackles, 1 goal.
Emmanuel Ajang: 17 disposals (8 K, 9 HB), 4 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 6 tackles.
Dom Brew: 16 disposals (10 K, 6 HB), 4 marks, 3 inside 50s, 10 tackles
Sam Clohesy: 16 disposals (6 K, 10 HB), 3 marks, 3 tackles, 2 inside 50s.
Jack Boyd: 12 disposals (7 K, 5 HB), 5 hit-outs, 3 clearances, 3 tackles.  
Harry Grintell: 9 disposals (4 K, 5 HB), 4 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 3 goals.

IMAGE GALLERY – VIEW HERE

THIS WEEK
Werribee vs Geelong
Friday March 10, 7:00pm
GMHBA Stadium, Geelong