Werribee will look to bounce back from last week's disappointing loss to Port Melbourne when it takes on former alignment partner North Melbourne at Avalon Airport Oval on Saturday.

Despite last Friday's result against the Borough, Werribee (6-5) remains on the cusp of the top eight with seven home and away matches still to play.

North Melbourne was victorious last time out as the Roos registered their third win of the campaign with a 42-point triumph over Northern Bullants.

Four home games are left for Werribee but it’s not too late to support the club via a 2022 membership with several different options all available. You get free entry to home matches, half-priced entry to away games, discounts on merchandise and benefits with sponsors & partners. Sign up today HERE.

Game day entry for non-members is $10 for adults and $5 for concession. Kids under 16 get in for free.

Visit match centre on afl.com.au

Round 15
Werribee vs North Melbourne
Saturday July 2, 2:05pm
Avalon Airport Oval, Werribee

Werribee suffered its first loss since Round 7 with a narrow three-point loss at Port Melbourne in Round 14.

The Big W fought back from 40 points down following a goalless first half but fell agonisingly short of a remarkable come-from-behind win with inaccuracy in front of goal once again proving costly.

FINAL SCORE
Werribee: 0.3 0.6 4.11 7.16 (58)
Port Melbourne: 4.1 7.4 8.4 9.7 (61)

GOALS
Werribee: S. Manngh 2, J. Dahlhaus 2, A. Lual 2, T. Boyd.
Port Melbourne: A. Anastasio 2, F. Roberts, H. Hooper, P. Hunter, A. Manton, T. O'Sullivan, C. Szust, E. Templeton. 

BEST
Werribee: N. Coughlan, J. Henderson, S. Conway, S. Mannagh, J. Dahlhaus, M. Sodomaco.
Port Melbourne:

HOW IT HAPPENED
Werribee almost got off to the perfect start with the Tom Gribble sending the first centre clearance deep inside 50 where Hudson Garoni’s quick snap was touched through for a behind. From there the Big W enjoyed the majority of play during the early exchanges before a quick Port Melbourne counter-attack produced the first goal of the game after six minutes. Despite having plenty of possession Werribee wasn’t able to create any real chances with a number of inside 50 entries failing to find a target. Meanwhile, the Borough took advantage at their end adding their second 14 minutes in before a further two majors had Werribee trailing by 22 points.

The second quarter started with another Werribee centre clearance and shot on goal but Matt Hanson’s snap missed right. Chances were again few and far between for the visitors with Werribee having just 38% time in possession compared to Port Melbourne with 50% ad the Big W were put under even more pressure while again conceding multiple goals after turning the ball over. Jack Henderson had a late chance to score Werribee’s first goal of the night but his hurried snap sailed through for the team's sixth minor score as Werribee went into halftime down by 40 points.

Facing a big deficit, it was Shaun Mannagh who kick started Werribee’s second half comeback. An early intercept from Michael Sodomaco lead to Mannagh marking on 50 and nailing the set shot. Five minutes later Werribee’s fightback was well and truly underway when Jay Dahlhaus marked in a similar position and converted from long range. The Borough goaled midway through the term but that would be their only score of the quarter as defensive general Nick Coughlan rallied those around him. Coughlan would eventually play a key role in W’erribee's third goal sending a long kick to full forward where Ariek Lual gathered and ran the ball in to score from point blank range at the 24-minute mark. Mannagh reduced the margin to 17 points late in the quarter when he burst through traffic and snapped his second. In a dominant third term Werribee had 19 inside 50s to just 5.

Werribee continued its charge early in the last quarter and after a couple of early misses Dahlhaus got the crucial goal the visitors needed, taking the advantage after Ollie Hanrahan was caught high to cut Port Melbourne’s lead to just nine points after five minutes. The Borough added a goal of their own at the 11-minutes mark to heap more pressure on but after struggling through the middle stage of the term Werribee made one final push. Lual snuck home a close range effort after 20 minutes and then with two and half minuets to go Tom Boyd marked and goaled to make the difference just three points. However, that would be the last score of the game as the siren sounded just as Werribee went inside 50 one final time.

KEY PLAYERS
Matt Hanson: 36 disposals (25 kicks), 14 contested possessions, 6 marks, 4 tackles, 7 clearances, 7 inside 50s, 5 rebound 50s, 8 score involvements.
Tom Gribble: 31 disposals (18 kicks), 16 handball receives, 6 clearances, 7 inside 50s, 4 score involvements.
Nick Coughlan: 20 disposals (17 kicks), 9 marks, 8 intercept possessions, 5 rebound 50s, 4 score involvements.
Shaun Mannagh: 19 disposals (16 kicks), 8 marks, 6 tackles, 4 clearances, 7 score involvements, 2 goals.
Jack Henderson: 18 disposals (9 kicks), 3 marks, 6 tackles, 5 score involvements.
Jay Dahlhaus: 15 disposals (14 kicks), 6 marks (1 contested), 4 inside 50s, 7 score involvements, 2 goals.
Sam Conway: 9 disposals, 2 contested marks, 26 hit-outs, 4 clearances, 5 score involvements.

VIEW MATCH GALLERY

NEXT MATCH
Round 15
Werribee vs North Melbourne
Saturday July 2, 2:05pm
Avalon Airport Oval, Werribee

A number of players continue to push their case for VFL selection with strong displays at local level. See who all the top performers were and who enjoyed wins with their community clubs last weekend.  


WESTERN REGION FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Harrison White- Werribee Districts

A lot of positives in a big win over Point Cook. Played at both ends of the ground and looked very comfortable at halfback. Used his speed to carry the footy, took the space when it presented, while his ball use going forward was a highlight. In the best with 25 disposals, six inside 50s and a goal.

Connor Thar – Werribee Districts

An impressive return from a long-term ankle injury. Spent the majority of his minutes as a midfielder and had no problems finding the ball. Finished with 26 disposals (23 kicks) and 11 clearances in what was an easy afternoon for Districts against the Bulldogs.

Akol Deng – Yarraville Seddon (Local Player of the Week)

Stuffed the stat sheet with 25 disposals, 45 hit-outs, eight clearances and three tackles in the Eagles’ loss to Spotswood. Made some good decisions with the ball with his repeat efforts also standing out.    

Saad El-Hawli – Altona

A big performance in an 80-point victory over St Albans. Positioned himself well, left his man at the right time and broke the lines. Had 29 disposals at 82% efficiency and a number of intercept marks.  

Spencer Johnson – Altona

Another strong game. Again displayed good physicality and aggressiveness when defending, along with quality ball use by foot. Was also in the best for the Vikings with 23 disposals at 86% efficiency.

Ethan Jackson – Sunshine

Comfortably Sunshine’s best in a disappointing result against Hoppers Crossing. Was energetic around the contest and good in transition finishing with 36 disposals and 14 clearances.

GEELONG FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Joe Maishman – St Mary’s

Was among the best players for the Saints in a five-point triumph over Newtown and Chilwell. Collected 21 with some good decision making and execution.

Gennaro Bove – Newtown & Chilwell

Back on the field after a few weeks off and showed some positive signs in the narrow loss to St Mary’s. Kicked a goal and laid 4 tackles.

Logan Wagener – Leopold

One of the best for the Lions in a big win over Bell Park. Another strong contested game with 29 disposals through the middle and a willingness to get back and support the defence.

Marty Brennan – Grovedale

A very team orientated display with some important late touches which were crucial in helping the Tigers secure a four-point win over North Shore. Had 16 disposals, five clearances and six tackles.

Flynn Young – Grovedale

Played his role nicely. Presented well and again looked dangerous with ball in hand. Had several tackles inside 50 which won the ball back for the Tigers. Finished with a couple of goals.

Sam Witherden – North Shore

Another solid performance in the midfield for the Seagulls. Finished in the best players again after gathering 31 disposals at 81% efficiency, eight marks and six tackles.

Noah Gribble – Geelong West

In the best for the Tigers in a three-goal loss to South Barwon after tallying 32 disposals, five tackles and a goal. Continues to add to his game around the contest and made good decisions with the ball.

Emmanuel Ajang – Geelong West

A solid showing in the Giants’ midfield. Had 20 disposals and three tackles in defeat to the Swans. Brings a great attitude every week.

Finn McCombe – St Joseph’s

Played well in a 98-point victory over St Albans. Executed nicely with time and space.

ESSENDON DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Lucas Rocci – Aberfeldie

After playing as a defender the previous game returned to Aberfeldie’s forward line on the weekend and starred with six goals in a 51-point win over Maribyrnong Park. Named second best.

Sam Paea – Aberfeldie

Competed really well and finished with a couple of goals in the team's ninth win of the season. Stepped up his work rate and pressure once again.

Darcy Cassar - Keilor

Made his first appearance of the year after a preseason foot injury and played multiple positions in Keilor’s draw with Greenvale. Offensively was impressive with 23 touches.

EASTERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Tom McCaffrey – Balwyn

A good game in a 19-point win for the Tigers. Found plenty of the ball, kicked two goals and brought some good effort defensively. Featured in the best players.

OVENS AND MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Jack Driscoll - Lavington

Some good signs against the O&M’s premier ruckman. Spent more time in the ruck and used his jump to his advantage early. Followed up well at ground level tallying 16 disposals in a comfortable victory.

Daniel Sharrock – Wangaratta Magpies

After a brilliant run of form had a down day for the Magpies who suffered their first loss of the season at the hands of Yarrawonga.

BENDIGO FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Brady Rowles - Eaglehawk

Started in defence and then moved up to the wing for the second half where he had a greater influence. Had 19 disposals including four clearances in his side’s 26-point loss to Strathfieldsaye.

RIDDELL DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Ariek Lual – Melton Centrals

Second best for the Blues in heavy defeat to top placed Diggers Rest. Had a significant impact playing on the ball in the second half after switching there from centre halfback. Took the game on and had confidence to run and carry.

HAMPDEN FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Tex Korewha – Koroit

Played in another comfortable result for Koroit who trumped Hamilton Kangaroos by 122 points.

Werribee travels to Port Melbourne for Round 14 to face the Borough in the first ever night match at ETU Stadium.

Werribee (6-4) will be eyeing a fifth consecutive win and to climb a couple more steps up the ladder after last week's victory over Geelong moved the Big W within percentage of the top eight. 

Port Melbourne (3-7) is back on the field after having the bye and will be looking to build on an impressive showing against Box Hill in Round 12 when the Borough fell just short of an upset win.

Tickets for the match can be pre-purchased HERE. Werribee members use the code WERRIBEEAWAY22.

There is free parking on Williamstown Road, Ingles Street and other surrounding streets around ETU Stadium. Entry to the ground is via the main gate on Williamstown Road (Near the pedestrian crossing).

ROUND 14
Werribee vs Port Melbourne
Friday June 24, 7:05pm
ETU Stadium, Port Melbourne