Werribee registered their first unofficial win of 2024, defeating Coburg in the club’s second practice match in preparation for the Smithy’s VFL season.  

Taking on the Lions in the third match at Frankston’s Kinetic Stadium as part of the VFL standalone carnival, following a tight first quarter Werribee kicked away for a 40-point, 13.6 (84) to 6.8 (44), victory. 

After overcoming a slow start, with Coburg kicking the first two of the game in quick succession, Kye Declase managed to settle the team with a crucial goal, followed by Hudson Garoni's back-to-back goals, tying the scores at 18 all at quarter time.

The momentum shifted in Werribee’s favour, with a four-goal to one second quarter putting the Big W up 17 points at the main break. Daly Andrews capped off a brilliant first half with a running goal breaking inside 50, and Jay Dahlhaus also kicked his first of three goals for the afternoon, with his trademark bravery and hunt also setting up a Michael Selsby goal late in the quarter.

A tight third quarter made it a 13-point margin at three quarter time, before Werribee ran away with it in the last quarter, booting seven goals to one. New recruit from Geelong, Cooper Whyte capped off a strong first game in the black and gold with a last quarter goal, and a long-range major in the dying stages of the match made it a two-goal outing for Michael Selsby.

New recruit Riley Bice continued to impress for the Big W, backing up an impressive performance last week against Williamstown, with his left boot continuing to be a weapon off half-back. Jack Henderson continued where he left off last season, with an ever-reliable performance in the midfield, and Jack Riding once again showed plenty off half-back, capping off his day with a last-quarter snapping goal.

FINAL SCORE
Werribee: 3.0 7.2 8.3 13.6 (84)
Coburg: 3.0 4.3 5.8 6.8 (44)

GOALS:
Werribee: J. Dahlhaus 3, H. Garoni 2, M. Selsby 2, D. Andrews, K. Declase, H. Grintell, M. Keast, J. Riding, C. Whyte

PRACTICE MATCH 2 GALLERY – VIEW HERE