By Mathew Asciak
Werribee continued their strong 2023 VFL season as they defeated Coburg at Piranha Park in a comprehensive victory this afternoon.
Coburg were immediately on the back foot in the first three minutes, forced to defend two deep forward entries, the latter eventually would prove fruitful for the Tigers, who found an open mark about 25m out from goal directly in front, kicking the first major of the day.
The Lions were leading the stoppage count in the opening 7 minutes, but the Tigers were able to control the pace of the game, taking 11 marks and maintaining an effective kick to handball ratio. Luke Nelson, Nathan Boucher and Mitch Podhajski were the primary ball winners for the Lions in the opening 10 minutes but were unable to create any clear scoring opportunities for the forwards, while Jack Henderson and Kye Declase were the primary movers for the Tigers going forward.
Jyhe Badderley-Kelly continued to thrive in his new forward role, taking three marks in the quarter but was unable to kick the Lions elusive first goal. The Tigers kicked another two goals, extending their lead to 29 at the 25th minute mark.
Inaccuracy in front of goal from the Tigers kept the margin within reach for the Lions with plenty of footy to play, only kicking four majors from their first 13 scoring shots, giving them a 33-point lead at the 5th minute mark of the 2nd term. Ben Jepson was busy in the middle, reaching 11 disposals in the early stages of the 2nd term.
A strong 1 on 1 grab from Aaron Clarke assisted by Jepson would open the Lions account at 11th minute mark of the 2nd term, decreasing the deficit to 26 points. A run of three quick Werribee goals helped balloon the lead to 42 in a matter of minutes, restabilising momentum for the away side. A goal to Josh D’Intinosante kicked the Lions second of the day, but the Tigers would strike back, capping of a four goal to two quarter and took a commanding 43-point half-time lead.
Two quick goals from Werribee increasing the margin beyond 10 goals, but a well-executed set shot from Josh Kemp gave the Lions their third of the day. A long bomb from Tom Jepson just inside the centre square gave the Lions their 2nd straight goal, taking the margin down to 45 at the final change.
Coburg fought hard in the 4th term but were unable to prevent Werribee from adding to the scoreboard, conceding three quick goals in quick succession. Clarke kicked his second of the day, but the margin was beyond the Lions reach, succumbing to a 60-point defeat.
Final Score:
Coburg Lions 0.3.(3) | 2.5.(17) | 4.6.(30) | 5.7.(37)
Werribee: 4.7.(31) | 8.12.(60) | 10.15.(75) | 13.17.(97)
Goals Clarke 2, D’Intinosante, Kemp, T.Jepson
Best: L.Nelson, J. D’Intinosante, N.Boucher, T.Jepson, B.Jepson, H.Nolan
