Werribee bounced back from last week's loss to Southport by recording a hard-fought seven-point victory over Williamstown in Round 4.

The Big W led by 18 points at the first two breaks but that advantage was cut to nine points after three quarters before trailing 10 minutes into the final term.

However, Werribee's scoring inaccuracy would not come back to haunt them as a couple of final quarter goals was enough to see the visitors over the line.

FINAL SCORE
Werribee: 4.2 5.8 6.12 8.17 (65)
Williamstown: 1.2 3.2 6.3 9.4 (58)

GOALS
Werribee: N. Hayes 2, H. Garoni, T. Gribble, K. Declase, N. Gribble, O. Hanrahan, M. Sodomaco.
Williamstown: N. Gown 3, J Ottavi 2, J. Gallucci 2, T. Downie, C. Rich.

BEST
Werribee: M. Hanson, K. Gray, N. Hayes, T. Gribble, B. Malual, C. Ham.
Williamstown:

HOW IT HAPPENED

It was a dream start for Werribee with the first centre bounce clearance leading to an opening minute goal from Nick Hayes. The Big W’s second goal wouldn’t come for another 15 minutes when they regained the lead courtesy of a running finish from Michael Sodomaco as Williamstown showed they were up for a fight as they chased their first win of the season. Sodomaco’s goal was quicky followed up by Hayes' second major 18 minutes in and after a couple of late misses a Hudson Garoni conversion with a minute go gave Werribee an 18-point lead at the first change.

Much of the second quarter was dominated by Werribee as Tom Gribble and Matt Hanson took control in the centre of the ground. After two goals against Southport, Gribble bagged the first of the second. But the Big W failed to make the most of their chances from then on adding five straight behinds as they kicked in into a slight breeze. After Nathan Cooper and Lou Pinnuck had orchestrated a strong defensive effort, the Seagulls took some confidence into the main break with back-to-back goals in the final two-and-a-half minutes seeing the margin remain at 18 points.

The second half got underway with two quick Williamstown goals before Noah Gribble provided a much-needed steadier. Werribee again had opportunities to restore their advantage, but they again failed to convert in front of goal and when the Seagulls kicked their third of the quarter at the 22-minute mark the margin was back to 10 points. At that point the hosts had kicked five of the last six goals in the match to set for a thrilling fourth quarter.

It was Williamstown who continued to roll with their momentum and consecutive goals saw them take the lead nine minutes into the final term. Three minutes later Kye Declase was awarded a free kick at the top of the square and when he kicked truly Werribee had its first goal in more than 40 minutes. Soon after Ollie Hanrahan slotted from long range and the Big W were back in front. Noah Gown’s third goal reduced the margin to five points with five minutes to go, but some desperate defending in teh dying stages from Jesse Clark, Charlie Ham and Keegan Gray helped see Werribee home.

KEY PLAYERS

Tom Gribble : 30 disposals (18 kicks), 14 handball receives, 9 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 6 score involvements, 1 goal.
Matt Hanson: 25 disposals (17 kicks), 7 marks (2 contested), 11 clearances, 11 score involvements, 3 tackles. 
Jack Henderson: 24 disposals at 88% efficiency (12 contested possesions), six clearances, 5 inside 50s, 7 score involvements.
Bior Malual: 23 disposals (17 kicks), 15 handball receives, 7 marks, 4 rebound 50s, 3 inside 50s, 7 score involvements. 
Keegan Gray: 22 disposals at 82% efficiency, 9 intercept possesions, 4 rebound 50s, 3 inside 50s.
Ollie Hanrahan: 22 disposals (13 kicks), 5 clearances, 7 score involvements, 1 goal.
Kye Declase: 17 disposals at 94% efficiency, 7 marks (2 contested), 4 inside 50s, 4 score involvements.

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