Hudson Garoni has produced another goal kicking masterclass as Werribee keep its undefeated streak alive with a 27-point win over Port Melbourne. 

Garoni changed the game in the second half as Werribee turned a 17-point second quarter deficit into a runaway victory, defeating Port Melbourne 7.7 (49) to 11.10 (76).

The key forward has the lead for the ‘Frosty’ Miller Medal after booting five goals in consecutive weeks. Garoni finished the day with six contested marks and an equal season high 19 disposals. 

First-year midfielder Jake Smith continued his good form with a career-high 23 disposals. The 19-year-old dominated around the contest with 15 contested possessions and eight clearances. Usual suspects Dom Brew (29 disposals) and Jack Henderson (24 disposals and a goal) were also pivotal in ensuring Werribee were on top in disposals (311-259) and clearances (69-38).

First-year defender Riley Bice continues to impress playing his best game of the season. The dashing half-back gathered 31 disposals, including 29 kicks,11 marks and laid eight tackles along with nine intercept possessions.

Half-forward Jack Riding was Werribee’s most dangerous forward when Port Melbourne was on top kicking two first-half majors before ending with three goals, sixteen disposals, and five tackles.

Playing in wet conditions at ETU Stadium neither side was  capitalising on the scoreboard with a goalless opening 21 minutes before Jack Riding was able to convert a set shot. Port Melbourne then took control kicking two goals to close out the quarter with a five-point lead. They extended their lead to 17 points midway through the second term.

Jack Henderson, in his 101st game, took full advantage of a 50-metre penalty with a much-needed goal, kickstarting Werribee to three of the last four goals of the half, to narrow the lead to just five points at the main break. 

After the halftime break Garoni turned the game in Werribee’s favour. Despite the wet conditions, Garoni held onto three contested marks for three goals in the opening five minutes, flipping Port Melbourne’s lead into a 13-point Werribee advantage.

Momentum carried on in the Tigers’ favour with Flynn Young taking a courageous mark and kicking his first goal of the game. Garoni added his fifth goal and Jack Riding his third, pushing the lead to 25 points entering the last quarter.

Werribee controlled the last quarter which only saw two goals kicked. Jay Dahlhaus added to his season tally of 25 with the first major of the quarter. Port Melbourne kicked a consolation goal through Kyle Viccars in the final five minutes but Werribee ran out 27-point victors.

Defenders Sam Azzi and Stefan Radovanovic continued to stand up in the absence Nick Coughlan and Nathan Cooper, while fellow defenders Louis Pinnuck (ten marks) and Jesse Clark (seven marks) continued to rack up the marks across the backline.

After a run of three consecutive home games Werribee now shifts its focus away to Port Melbourne for its Round 18 clash.

Werribee travels to Port Melbourne to play the Borough at ETU Stadium on Saturday. 

Werribee enters the clash on a ten-game win streak with their last loss back in round 5. The Tiger’s most recent outing was against the Northern Bullants in trying conditions wih Werribee leading from start to finish to claim a 54-point victory.  

Port Melbourne is celebrating their 150th anniversary of the club and currently sit 15th on the ladder. In their Round 17 clash they fell to Coburg by five points who pulled off a come-from-behind victory. 

Last time these two sides faced off in round 16 last year  Werribee ran out 23 point winners.

Werribee got their tenth win in a row in the VFL on Saturday, and at the same time had eleven players take the field in local competitions with several players returning from injury and a number of others producing notable performances. Read how they performed in this week's Weekly Player Report:

Geelong Football Netball League:

Mitch Chafer - Grovedale
Chafer found plenty of the footy as Grovedale’s comeback fell short to Geelong West in trying conditions. The forward had 20 disposals, with a massive 19 of them being contested, and laid seven tackles. 

Emmanuel Ajang - Geelong West
Was best on ground to half-time until an ankle injury prematurely ended his afternoon, as the Giants defeated Chafer’s Grovedale by 20 points. Ajang kicked two goals from the midfield, to go with 14 disposals and four clearances. 

Charlie Byrne - Newtown & Chilwell
Was named in the best as Newtown fell comfortably to top four side Colac. Byrne defended well and his pressure was high all game, while also having an impact offensively. He ended with 19 disposals, eight rebound 50s and three marks, including two intercept grabs. 

Matthew Keast - St Mary’s
Returned from injury for his first game since Round 7 and made an instant impact. As St. Mary’s came from five goals behind to defeat Leopold, Keast had 23 disposals through the midfield, which included 14 contested possessions, five clearances, six inside 50s and laid four tackles.

Ballarat Football Netball League: 

Joel Cadman - Darley
In challenging conditions in Ballarat, Darley fell to East Point by 50 points, with 25 fewer scoring shots. Despite a tough day up forward, Cadman managed to stay involved, securing 11 contested possessions, multiple marks, inside 50s, and tackles.

Essendon District Football League: 

Cam McLeod - Aberfeldie
McLeod didn’t waste a disposal as Aberfeldie defeated Deer Park to jump into the top four. The half-back had 12 disposals, at an impressive 100% efficiency, while also finishing with six marks and three tackles in a strong performance.  

Wardell Lual - Airport West
Wardell Lual played his first seniors game for Airport West, where he made a significant impact down back in their crucial win over Essendon Doutta Stars. Playing alongside Werribee legend Matt Hanson, Lual was tasked with a key defensive role where he came out on top. He also made a significant offensive contribution, showcasing his run and carry off the back line and using the ball efficiently. 

Reuben William - Keilor 
Williams had a good game off half-back as the top of the table Keilor continue their undefeated run in 2024. Having to play as a key defender, William contested and defended well while winning 16 disposals himself, which included 9 contested possessions and three intercept marks.

Ovens & Murray Football Netball League: 

Hamish Gilmore - Albury
Gilmore played his second game back after missing multiple months of footy due to injury. In a narrow loss to long-time rivals North Albury, the key defender managed 10 disposals with an effective 70% disposal efficiency.

Victorian Amateur Football Association: 

Zayne Galea - Williamstown CYMS
Galea played as a key forward as the CY’s went down comfortably to De La Salle. Despite tough conditions for key forwards, he consistently provided a strong contest throughout the day. He secured multiple marks inside the 50 and maintained good pressure with two tackles in the forward line.

Hampden Football Netball League:

Jay Rantall - South Warrnambool
Stacked up another performance for South Warrnambool, playing in a low scoring affair where the Roosters came from behind to defeat Koroit 2.5.17 to 2.8.20. His effort in the wet was outstanding and the midfielder found plenty of the footy to be once be named in the best.