Written by Jordan Baxter

Werribee have gone down to Port Melbourne by 16 points in their home Semi Final at Avalon Airport Oval in windy conditions.

Werribee’s 9.15.69 to 12.13.85 defeat at the hands of Port Melbourne marks an end to the Tigers' season, after rising from sixteenth on the ladder in 2025 to second in the 2026 home and away season.

Caiden Gardner was instrumental in the ruck after coming in for the injured Ajang Kuol mun, Gardner delivered a match-high 44 hit-outs, providing Werribee first use at the source.

Jack Riding was tremendous in the midfield, racking up match highs in both disposals 27 and clearances 12, whilst also providing immense pressure by laying 8 tackles.

Harry Maguire was a constant threat up forward, amassing 5 goals from his 10 disposals and keeping Werribee within touch on the scoreboard.

Port Melbourne got off to a hot start in the Semi Final, dominating time in possession and territory, leading to the first three goals of the match and putting Werribee on the back foot.

Werribee’s first goal of the day came through the boot of Anthony Depasquale as he was awarded an inside 50 free kick in the pocket, and went on to sail the ball over the goal umpire's hat.

The quarter time siren came with Port Melbourne having their noses in front by 12 points after dominating early in the quarter before Werribee was able to even up the contest, ending in a 3 goal to 1 quarter.

Harry Maguire out of the ruck from 15 metres out kicked a sensational goal as he tapped the ball down onto his boot and out of mid-air slammed the ball home through the goals, narrowing the margin to just 6 points.

Port Melbourne took control of the quarter, kicking three goals in a row and blowing the margin out to 30 points, with Werribee lucky to be within that margin after some wayward kicking from Port Melbourne.

Harry Maguire sniffed an opportunity, intercepting a Port Melbourne kick in and going back to convert a much-needed goal for the Tigers and his second major of the day.

Halftime saw Port Melbourne increase their quarter-time lead out to 22 points, with the halftime siren coming at the perfect time for Werribee, allowing them to regroup coming into the second half.

Will Elliott, with terrific tackle pressure got awarded a free kick and laced out Brady Wright on the lead inside 50, and on a tight angle in the forward pocket, Wright went on to deliver Werribee the perfect start to the third term drop punting through the goal.

The remainder of the quarter remained a tight tussle with both teams having their moments, as Werribee were unable to convert theirs while Port Melbourne made the most of their opportunities, kicking 2 goals from 2 shots.

At the final change, it saw Port Melbourne take a 25-point lead with Werribee needing a big last quarter to keep their season alive.

The opening goal of the term went the way of Port before Xavier Ivisic and Maguire linked up in front of goal, as Maguire snapped through his third goal of the match.

Back-to-back goals for the first time in the match to Werribee as Will Elliot laid a ripping tackle in front of goal, awarding him a free kick and bringing Werribee back into the contest as they trailed by 18 points.

Maguire bopped up again, getting the hands from Ivisic, running into the open goal and slamming it home for his fourth goal and lifting the home crowd.

Port responded with a goal of their own, before Donegan found space in the middle of the ground, launching the ball inside 50 to Elliott, who was pushed out of the contest, awarding him the free kick. Elliott clawed the Tigers back to within 12 points as he nailed his set shot from directly in front.

Kicking two of the final three goals of the match, Port Melbourne sealed a 16-point Semi Final victory as Werribee’s season came to an end.

FINAL SCORE:
Werribee: 1.4 3.8 4.11 9.15 (69)
Port Melbourne: 3.4 6.12 8.12 12.13 (85)

GOALS:
Werribee: H. Maguire (5), W. Elliott (2), A. Depasquale, B. Wright
Port Melbourne: K. Baldwin (3), C. Downie (3), R. Polkinghorne (2), T. Hird, O. Mulady, M. Rider, J. Tovey