Werribee broke its run of three straight losses by recording an emphatic 53-point victory over GWS to return to the winners list in Sydney on Sunday.

The Big W enjoyed their best start to a match this season with a four goal to one opening term before extending a 17-point half time advantage to 44 at the end of three quarters. 

The return of experienced pair Matt Hanson and Nick Coughlan was significant with four-time best and fairest winner Hanson best afield after a dominant display in midfield, while key defender Coughlan was just as important down back in his first match since round one.

FINAL SCORE
Werribee: 4.4 7.7 13.10 16.11 (107)
GWS: 1.0 5.2 7.2 8.6 (54)

GOALS
Werribee: H. Garoni, J. Dahlhaus 2, O. Hanrahan 2, M. Hanson 2, K. Declase 2, N. Hayes, S. Mannagh, J. Porter, J. Driscoll, B. Malual.
GWS: H. Grintell 3, M. Monaghan, R. Angwin, L. Chisholm, J. Fahey, E. Grace.

BEST
Werribee: M. Hanson, N. Coughlan, K. Declase, J. Dahlhaus, H. Garoni, B. Malual.
GWS:

HOW IT HAPPENED

Werribee’s first quarter was its best of the season as the Big W kicked 4.4 while limiting GWS to just a single goal to take a 22-point lead into the first break. Matt Hanson and Shaun Mannagh helped to set the tone early with the pair booting Werribee’s opening two goals inside the first five minutes before taking control around the footy. Nick Coughlan and Charlie Ham were also busy early, cleaning up across halfback while the Werribee defence held the Giants to just three inside 50 entries for the term, the last of which resulted in their only goal via a late free kick.

Werribee continued its dominance early in the second quarter and with Tom Gribble and Jack Henderson working their way into the match scoring opportunities quickly followed. Hudson Garoni added his second goal of the match just two and half minutes into the second before Jay Dahlhaus and Ollie Hanrahan helped extend Werribee’s led to 38 points after 13 minutes of play. However, the Giants hit back from the midway point of the term kicked four straight goals to drag the margin the back to 17 points at halftime.

Having kicked 7.7 up to halftime Werribee missed three of its first four shots on goal to start the third quarter before Nick Hayes kicked truly just before the nine-minute to give the visitors a 32-point buffer. GWS responded with two of the next three majors but with Bior Malual and Kye Declase continuing to drive the visitors forward the margin grew in Werribee’s favour. Delclase kicked his second goal of the quarter 25 minutes in before Garoni and Josh Porter converted their close-range efforts to end the third.

GWS had the chance to reduce Werribee’s 44-point point lead early in the final quarter but after missing their first three attempts Ollie Hanrahan made no mistake at the other end giving the Big W the first goal of the fourth. Having not topped 100 so far this this season Jack Driscoll brought up the ton for Werribee 19 minutes in while Dahlhaus, who continued to chase and tackle right up until the end, became Werribee’s fifth multiple goal kicker with the final major of the match.

WATCH MATCH REPLAY & HIGHLIGHTS  

KEY PLAYERS
Matt Hanson: 34 disposals (15 contested possessions), 10 marks, 4 tackles, 8 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 9 score involvements, 2 goals
Tom Gribble: 28 disposals at 93% efficiency, 11 handball receives, 8 marks, 5 clearances, 8 score involvements
Kye Declase: 25 disposals (18 kicks), 13 marks, 5 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s, 7 score involvements, 2 goals
Nick Coughlan: 21 disposals (17 kicks) at 81% efficiency, 7 marks (2 contested), 5 rebound 50s
Bior Malual: 19 disposals (17 kicks) at 84% efficiency, 11 marks, 3 inside 50s, 5 score involvements, 1 goal
Sam Clohesy: 19 disposals (14 kicks), 4 marks (2 contested), 3 tackles, 3 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 5 score involvements
Jay Dahlhaus: 14 disposals (10 kicks), 6 marks, 5 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 8 score involvements, 2 goals
Hudson Garoni: 12 disposals (8 kicks), 5 marks (1 contested), 9 hit-outs, 5 score involvements, 3 goals

NEXT MATCH
Round 10
Werribee vs Collingwood
Sunday May 29, 12pm
Avalon Airport Oval, Werribee

The Werribee Football Club is delighted to welcome a new Corporate Sponsor for 2022 in Orbit Logistics.  

Operating since 2004 the company provides international logistics, local customs clearance, deliveries and supply chain solutions. 

Orbit Logistics managing director Glenn Allison said it is great to be supporting the club and to be a player sponsor of first year player Lachlan Smart.    

“We decided to get involved after attending a business lunch and meeting Werribee CEO Mark Penaluna and other members of the club,” he said.  

“We really admired the spirit of the club and the investment in community and are now looking forward to playing our part in community involvement. 

“Werribee is one of the best clubs Orbit Logistics has had the opportunity to be involved with, so we’re excited to be starting this partnership.” 

You won’t only see the Orbit Logistics logo on the fence at Avalon Airport Oval in 2022 they also appear as a sponsor on the playing shorts this season.  

Werribee Football Club CEO Mark Penaluna said it was a thrill to welcome Orbit Logistics as a new sponsor.  

“Glenn was keen to support the club and it’s great to have a passionate company like Orbit Logistics that shares our values, come on board,” he said. 

“We’re greatly appreciate their contribution and look forward to seeing Glenn and his family and the Orbit Logistics team at the footy throughout the season.” 

Werribee heads off on its second interstate trip of the year on retun from the bye to face Greater Western Sydney in Round 9.

It will be the second meeting for the teams with Werribee winning the first ever match-up between the two by 48 points, a game that was played behind closed doors last June, as the competition resumed from a three-week long covid lockdown.

Werribee enters the contest with a 2-4 record, while GWS occupy third place on the ladder with a 5-2 win-loss.

Some key personnel returns for Werribee with four-time best and fairest winner Matt Hanson back after missing the last two games while key defender Nick Coughlan will make his first appearance since the opening match of the season having overcome a hamstring injury.

Joining Coughlan for his second game of the year is Jack Driscoll who made his VFL debut against Frankston in Round 1. The 202cm ruckman and GWS Academy graduate will add some much-needed height for Werribee.

The other inclusion is that of young midfielder Sam Clohesy who will make his Werribee debut after some terrific form for St Joseph’s in the Geelong Football League, most notably a four-goal performance last weekend. See the full team below.

ROUND 9
Werribee vs GWS
Saturday May 22, 10.05am
Giants Stadium, Sydney
WATCH LIVE

With the club having its second bye in Round 8 there was no shortage of Werribee players in action for their local clubs over the weekend along with seven players selected for the Fitzroy Cubs team that faced Carlton VFL on Sunday.

EASTERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Tom McCaffrey – Balwyn

Was prominent in the first half providing plenty of ball for the Tigers forwards to help set up what would be a three-goal win. Tallied 23 disposals and tackled well.


GEELONG FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Keegan Gray - Bell Park

Collected 16 disposals for the Dragons in their 17-point loss at Grovedale.

Noah Gribble – Geelong West

Had another 30+ possession game with 33 disposals at 79% efficiency but the Giants suffered their biggest loss of the season with St Joseph’s victorious by 100 points.

Flynn Young - Grovedale

Was one of the best for the Tigers in their 17-point triumph over Bell Park booting four goals for the second time this season. Took the game on at the right time and executed well with ball in hand.   

Logan Wagener – Leopold

Provided a great contest and balance around stoppages while contributing offensively and defensively in a 15-point win over South Barwon. Kicked a goal, provided score assists and tackle pressure to be amongst the best.

Sam Witherden – North Shore

Had his best outing of the year amassing 33 disposals and five tackles for the Eagles who, after leading by a goal at halftime, went down to Newtown & Chilwell by 39 points.

 St Joseph’s – Sam Clohesy (Local Player of the Week)

Had a standout game playing wing and half-forward. Work rate up and down the ground as a when on the wing was terrific and proved a difficulty match-up forward kicking a season-best four goals in the win over Geelong West.

St Mary’s

Darcy Chirgwin – Had 19 disposals as the Saints remained undefeated after  a 51-point win over Lara.

Joe Maishman – Had 15 possessions and five clearances playing on-ball and forward.

Matt Keast – Line-up on the wing and at half forward and played his role with 16 disposals and 4 tackles.

Sam Conway – Started the game strong and finished the match with 23 hit-outs from two and a half quarters.  

 
HAMPDEN FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Tex Korewha - Koroit

Played well in windy conditions. Competed well up forward and in the ruck, hit the scoreboard and was excellent following up at ground level as Koroit claimed a 101-point victory over Cobden. 

 
OVENS AND MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Nick Coughlan – Albury

In his first game back from a hamstring injury made a rare appearance for home club Albury where he collected 15 disposals along with six marks in a 52-point triumph.

Jack Driscoll – Lavington

Started forward before moving into the ruck as the Panthers secured an 18-point win. Had a big influence in the fourth quarter and ended the game with 15 disposals and several important clearances.

Hudson Garoni – Wodonga Bulldogs

Contributed three goals and was named the Bulldogs’ second best in their 27-point victory over Wangaratta Rovers.  

Daniel Sharrock – Wangaratta Magpies

Spent the first two quarters in the midfield before moving to half-back for the second half. Was a key contributor in wet conditions with 26 disposals and nine tackles in a 32-point win over Myrtleford

VICTORIAN AMATEUR FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Harry Stubbings – Old Scotch

Had 19 disposals and kicked two goals for the Cardinals in their 22-point loss to Old Xavierians.


WESTERN REGION FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Lachlan Smart – Deer Park

Was solid early for the Lions against Yarraville Seddon before leaving the match with injury.

 
FITZROY CUBS (Played Carlton VFL)

Akol Deng – Initial work in the ruck was good, didn’t always get his hand to the ball first but his follow up, tackling and pressure kept him in the contest at all times.

Ariek Lual – One of the team’s best. Was dangerous up forward and jumped over his opponent regularly when in the ruck. Did the basics well, took plenty of marks and could’ve easily kicked a bag.

Bior Malul – Was an assured presence playing behind the footy. Very composed when in possession and was highly effective by hand and foot.

Emmanuel Ajang – Was impressive as an inside midfielder with his ability to win the ball, burst from the contest and work through traffic. One of the best until he copped a knock in the third term.

Reuben William – A very consistent performer over four quarters. Was good defending deep and equally as good through the middle of the ground. Was strong overhead.

Saad El-Hawli – Defensively was rarely beaten one-on-one and then pushed up the ground well and was dangerous forward of centre. Didn’t have huge possessions but didn’t waste what he had.   

Sam Paea – Started the game strong and continued to lead up well all day.