After beginning the season with two wins from two away games, Werribee made their return to Avalon Airport Oval on Saturday a successful homecoming with a 21-point victory over Richmond.

In front of the home crowd for the first time in 2024, Werribee won the battle of the Tigers, defeating Richmond 11.7 (73) to 7.10 (52).

Fresh from a best-on-ground outing against Southport Nick Hayes continued his form kicking the first goal of the match. Star key-forward Hudson Garoni, playing in his 50^th VFL game, converted a set shot late in the first quarter giving his team a 22-point lead into the first break.

Werribee got off to fast start in the second quarter with Angus Hicks kicking our fifth unanswered goal to take the margin to 28 points before Richmond replied. In his return to the side Matt Keast popped up for a goal in the dying seconds to make it a 26-point lead at the main break.

Captain Nick Coughlan was leading from the front, ending the first half with 18 disposals, the most on the ground. New recruit Daly Andrews continued his impressive start in the black and gold, picking up 15 disposals alongside his goal of the day nomination, and in his return game Emmanuel Ajang had 13 disposals at the main break. 

A scrappy third quarter saw no goals for the first 15-minutes of the quarter. Richmond kicked the first two of the quarter, however a steadying set shot goal from Aidan Johnson before Riley Bice’s first goal for the club, with the half-back kicking one from the 50-metre arc, ensured Werribee held a 26-point margin at three quarter time.

The final term was another low scoring quarter, with Richmond’s Samson Ryan kicking back-to-back goals to cut the lead down to 15 points. However, the milestone man, Hudson Garoni made it his third consecutive multiple goal game to begin the season by kicking the sealer in time-on.

Nick Coughlan ended the match with a game-high 33 disposals, which included 9 marks and an incredible 16 intercept possessions. Usual suspects, and VFL State Team representatives, Kye Declase, Jack Henderson, and Dom Brew all stood tall, gathering over 25 disposals each. Jaelen Pavlidis was impressive down back all game, with 20 disposals and 7 marks; earning the Totally Workwear Player of the Round for Round 3.

FINAL SCORE
Werribee 4.2 8.4 10.5 11.7 (73)
Richmond 0.4 3.8 5.9 7.10 (52) 

GOALS
Werribee: H. Garoni 2, D. Andrews, R. Bice, J. Dahlhaus, N. Hayes, J. Henderson, A. Hicks, A. Johnson, M. Keast, S. Paea
Richmond: S. Ryan 4, S. Banks, J. Clarke, A. May 

BEST
Werribee: J. Pavlidis, K. Declase, J. Henderson, D. Brew, N. Coughlan, D. Andrews

PHOTO GALLERY – View Here

Following the bittersweet chapter of our history that was the 2023 season, the story continues and this year we want you back to help us achieve a different ending.

Our board, our coaches, our players and our staff are ready to embark on a new season, united in our mission for the ultimate success. The question remains: Are you with us?

Sign up as a member for 2024 via INTIX here.