CATS HALT TIGERS CHARGE TO THE FINALS
By Tristan Foenander
With the finals just over a week away, the Werribee Tigers went into their round 20 clash against Geelong in good form, and with a solid record at Skilled Stadium.
The two sides met earlier in the year at Bartercard Oval, where Geelong prevailed comfortably with an array of AFL-listed talent present.
Bar the pace-setting Northern Bullants, the Cats have been the most in form team in the competition in recent weeks and again boasted a formidable line-up. The pre-match withdrawals of power forwards Henry Playfair and Matthew McCarthy eased some headaches for the Werribee coaching staff, but it would still prove to be a tough day at the office for the Tigers.
Before the siren had even sounded to start the game, a free kick was awarded to Geelong's Adam Cook in bizarre circumstances after some wrestling between players. Cook converted the goal and it opened the floodgates for the Cats, who quickly raced to a four-goal lead.
Poor skills and decision-making highlighted the Tigers' game early, which was mostly the result of the ferocious pressure applied by Geelong .
In a heated second term, the Tigers hit back and gave glimpses of hope to the small band of Werribee supporters who had made the trip down the highway.
But it was the Tigers' inability to penetrate the Geelong halfback line that led to their ultimate demise.
The Tigers had chances in the final term to reel in the deficit, but inaccuracy in front of goal was again a thorn in their side.
Robbie Castello and Jarrod Young continued their rich vein of form and led the way for the Tigers, while Dylan Addison also tried hard, rebounding effectively from halfback.
The Cats were the better team all day and ran out 34-point winners.
Geelong 14. 6 . 90
Werribee 8. 8. 56
Goal kickers: Podsiadly 3, Castello 2, McGuiness, Gleeson, B. Murphy
Best: Castello, Young, Addison, Richardson, Furfaro, Barham
Meanwhile, the Werribee reserve side faced local rivals Williamstown at Burbank Oval, but couldn't get over the line, losing by 19 points, 12.14.86 to 9.13.67.
Last Modified on 22/02/2008 11:12