Following a run of three straight wins in the last month, Werribee’s next challenge comes at home in the form of ladder leaders Gold Coast Suns in Round 9.

With victories over Williamstown, Essendon and Footscray the Big W now face their biggest test since the opening round of the season taking on an undefeated Suns outfit at midday on Saturday.

The Suns who triumphed over Werribee a year ago have made the perfect start to 2023, and enter the clash having survived a fast-finishing Southport last weekend to secure their seventh win.

TEAM NEWS
Three changes have been made by the Werribee coaching staff for the match against the Suns with the return of four-time Bruce Montgomery Trophy winner Matt Hanson headlining the inclusions.

Hanson will play his first match since breaking his hand against Essendon in Round 21 last year, before requiring a second surgery. Along with Hanson, Jack Boyd has made his way back into the side, while the club will have a first gamer for the third straight week with Jack Riding to make his VFL debut.

Going out of the side are forwards Connor Thar and Logan Morris who both picked up injuries last week against Footscray with Michael Selsby the other omission.  

GAME DAY ENTRY
Gates open from 10:30am. Werribee members receive free entry and opposition members half price entry. Non-member entry is $10 for adults and concession $5 with kids under 16, free. Round 9 entry will go towards The Salvation Army's Red Shield Appeal.

ROUND 9
Werribee vs Gold Coast
Saturday 20th May, 12:05pm
Avalon Airport Oval, Werribee

Round 9 Match Centre

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Werribee made it three wins in a row and climbed to seventh on the ladder after defeating Footscray by 34 points in Round 8 of the 2023 Smithy’s VFL season.

The Big W reclaimed the HeathWest Cup at Avalon Airport Oval on Mothers Day after overcoming some inaccurate goal kicking to post 9.2 in the second half on the way to a 13.13 (91) to 8.9 (57) victory.

Werribee’s midfield with Tom Gribble back in the line-up, again came out on top, while a spread of goal kickers and some strong intercepting from the defence contributed to the team’s fourth win of the campaign.

Quarter one was an arm wrestle with Jack Henderson’s early goal the only major in the opening 15 minutes before both teams were able to consistently generate some chances, however goals remained hard to come by.

Footscray were held to just one goal in the first term as Nathan Cooper and Nick Coughlan won the majority of aerial contests while Hudson Garoni converted after the quarter time siren to give Werribee a nine-point lead.

Inaccuracy continued to plague the Big W to start the second with the hosts kicking five straight behinds before Garoni eventually booted the team’s third at the 17-minute mark.

Debutant Logan Morris, who came into the side after a brilliant start to the Coates Talent League season for the Western Jets, followed that up with his first, to make the difference three goals with five minutes remaining in the half.

Werribee was first on the board in the third with Michael Sodomaco goaling inside three minutes before he added another midway through the term.

The veteran's second was the first of four answered Werribee majors as Morris, Bailey Henderson and Sam Paea all nailed set shots.

Despite going into the final quarter with a 41-point lead there were some nervous moments for the hosts as the Bulldogs fought to stay in the contest.

The visitors were able to reduce the deficit to 23 points with the first three straight goals of the last, then back-to-back majors cut the margin to 15 points with plenty of time still on the clock.

After Garoni provided an important steadier earlier in the term Keegan Gray provided the much needed second at the 26-minute mark, before a couple of late goals to Paea and Shaun Mannagh saw the Big W home.

For the third straight week Werribee finishing well ahead in disposals (+63), contested possession (+25), clearances (+13), inside 50s (+21), and tackles (+29).

FINAL SCORE
Werribee: 2.5 4.11 9.12 13.13 (91)
Footscray: 1.2 2.4 3.7 8.9 (57)

GOALS
Werribee: H. Garoni 3, L. Morris 2, S. Paea 2, M. Sodomaco 2, K. Gray, B. Henderson, J. Henderson, S. Mannagh.
Footscray: B. Khamis 3, L. Goater 2, R. West, J. Sweet, E Macpherson.

BEST
Werribee: N. Cooper, M. Sodomaco, S. Mannagh, T. Gribble, S. Clohesy, H. Garoni. 

ROUND 8 IMAGE GALLERY - VIEW HERE

PLAYER STATS
Tom Gribble: 31 disposals (11 K, 20 HB), 15 contested possessions, 7 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 8 score involvements, 4 tackles.
Dom Brew: 26 disposals (20 K, 6 HB), 17 contested possessions, 10 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 5 rebound 50s, 10 tackles.
Jack Henderson: 23 disposals (12 K, 11 HB), 12 handball receives, 4 clearances, 6 score involvements, 1 goal,  7 tackles.
Shaun Mannagh: 22 disposals, (15 K, 7 HB), 6 marks (1 contested), 7 inside 50s, 6 score involvements, 1 goal, 11 tackles.
Nick Coughlan: 21 disposals (17 K, 4 HB), 9 marks (6 intercept), 7 rebound, 4 inside 50s, 6 score involvements.
Hudson Garoni: 15 disposals (10 K, 5 HB), 6 marks (1 contested), 8 hit-outs, 4 tackles, 3 clearances, 7 score involvements, 3 goals.  
Sam Clohesy: 15 disposals (9 K, 6 HB) at 87% efficiency, 4 inside 50, 2 rebound 50s, 4 score involvements, 4 tackles.
Nathan Cooper: 10 disposals (7 K, 3 HB), 7 intercept possessions (4 marks), 4 tackles, 3 rebound 50s.

NEXT MATCH 
Round 9
Werribee vs Gold Coast
Saturday 20th May, 12:05pm
Avalon Airport Oval

Last weekend saw several players continue their good form while one player was among the best for his local side on Saturday before making his Werribee debut the next day against Essendon.

WESTERN REGION FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Aidan Johnson - Yarraville Seddon (Local Player of the Week)
A great first game back after being hit with another knee issue on the eve of the season. Had a strong presence up forward kicking two goals and provided a good option as a second ruck in his debut for the Eagles. Finished with 19 disposals, 5 contested marks and four tackles.

Akol Deng - Yarraville Seddon
Continued his good form, again featuring in the best after a big day against Werribee Districts with 48 hit-outs including 14 to advantage, giving his midfielders first use. Seems to have now found the right balance with his ruck and forward rotation.  

Brandon Lester - Yarraville Seddon
Didn’t find a lot of the ball in tough conditions in his second game back but worked hard defensively in the team’s loss to Districts.

Samuel Clifford - Hoppers Crossing
Was really clean in wet conditions to be one of the best for Hoppers against Altona. Had 21 disposals, seven intercepts and used the ball well as the Warriors went down to the Vikings.

ESSENDON DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Cam McLeod - Avondale Heights
In the best for the third straight week after providing a strong option in attack while collecting some strong intercepts across the ground. Pulled down seven marks and kicked two goals in a 28-point loss to Greenvale. Backed up the performance with a late call-up to debut against Essendon on Sunday.

Darcy Cassar - Keilor
Played as a high half-forward and also spent some time on the wing for Keilor as the Bulldogs continued their undefeated start to the year by cruising to a 50-win over Aberfeldie. Accumulated 25 disposals, eight marks, and five inside-50s.

Lachlan Smart - Deer Park
Kicked two goals and worked hard to earn seven contested possessions in a 131-point victory over Tullamarine, helping the Lions move into second on the ladder.

VICTORIAN AMATUER FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

Jack Boyd - Old Xaverians
Played a big role in a nice win over University Blues. Had 16 disposals with nine clearances along with 16 hit-outs. Contributed two goals up forward and assisted a number of others.

Zayne Galea - Williamstown CYMS
A solid defensive showing in a defeat to Beaumaris. Took five marks and was effective with his 11 disposals which included five rebound 50s.

GEELONG FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Emmanuel Ajang - Geelong West
Played predominantly as an inside midfielder and found 22 disposals at 81 per cent efficiency in a 23-point triumph over Grovedale. Gave his all to help the Giants secure victory.

Matthew Keast - St Mary’s
Played a mixture of midfield and forward after an interrupted past two weeks. Had 17 disposals and four inside-50s in the Saints' tight win over Colac.

OVENS & MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Sam Azzi - North Albury
Started slowly but worked his way into the game and was a solid contributor in the Hoppers' first win of the season. Positioned himself well and came across to intercept on multiple occasions. Collected 18 disposals with eight marks.

By Gerald Lynch

Werribee heads back home for a run of three straight games at Avalon Airport Oval beginning with a match-up against Footscray for the HealthWest Cup.

The Big W will be chasing back-to-back home triumphs and a third consecutive win after beating Williamstown in Round 5 and Essendon on the weekend.  

Footscray are currently 2-4 on the year after suffering a 13-point loss to GWS in Round 7. Prior to last week’s result the Bulldogs defeated Carlton by five points.

GAME DAY DETAILS
Gates open from 12pm with entry costing $10 for adults and concession $5. Kids under 16 are free. Members of both clubs will receive free entry to the match. If you are a Werribee member and haven't yet received your membership card please inform the gate attendant.

ROUND 8
Werribee vs Footscray
Sunday 15th May, 2:05pm
Avalon Airport Oval, Werribee

Round 8 Match Centre

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