Werribee Centrals travelled to North Geelong who are right behind them on the ladder after beating Bannockburn two weeks ago where as Centrals could not do the same last week at Bannockburn. This was to be the game of the round and expected to be close if Centrals could get some players back to bolster the team after four weeks where injuries had claimed up to nine players. Lucky for the club the week panned out well and Simon Calbert, Travis Johns, Kurt Tietze, Alistair Burke and Craig Hardingham all were able to be named in the side after training during the week.
The game opened at a furious pace as North Geelong controlled the centre and were able to run the ball into their forward line with ease and this gave them the dream start with three quick goals on the board. Centrals fought back as Anthony Kitchen was able to kick two in reply. The side looked better balanced but it was still North who controlled the ball and were kicking the goals. Devon Ellis played a great quarter across half back as the defense held up against one of the best forward lines in the competition.
Centrals wanted the first goal of the second quarter but could not even though they had their chances and most of the play and again it was left to Kitchen to kick the only two goals of the quarter for Centrals. Centrals were breaking down in the centre of the ground and Norths pace and willingness to run was frustrating Centrals game. At half time Centrals were three goals behind.
The third quarter was goal for goal with neither side able to break away and Simon Calbert and Craig Hardingham were slowly getting into the game after weeks out of the game. Nathan Lovell was starting to get on top in the centre and this was bringing Centrals centre players into the game as Toby Bray started to collect kicks, but on the downside Travis Johns was forced from the ground with a hamstring injury, something Centrals did not need at that time. Two goals from Kurt Tietze got Centrals to within ten points at the last change.
It was anyones game but with North kicking with the breeze they had the advantage. Centrals won the centre bounce and a quick goal off the pack by Calbert and Centrals were right in the game. Again it was goal for goal and the margin remained at 10 points. Coach David Leatch had asked for total commitment especially from his running players and they slowly seemed to be able to stop the run of North with strong tackling and a desire to keep the ball in their forward line. The backline never let North any latitude and were able to push the ball back into Centrals forward half through the centre corridor. This increased intensity gave Alistair Burke, Toby Bray and Mathew Deluca all goals as the quarter closed and Centrals had run out winners by two goals. It was one of the best games we have seen for some time and certainly was for this season and both sides should be congratulated.
Centrals will be again looking forward to getting a couple more players back from injury this week as they look to play Thomson at Galvin Park Werribee in front of all the past players.
Final Scores:- Werribee Centrals 18.8 – 116 to North Geelong 15.14 - 104
Goal Kickers:- A Kitchen 8, K Tietze 2, S Calbert 2, M Deluca 2, D Hall, A Burke, T Bray & B Chugg 1 each.
Best Players:- D Leatch, A Kitchen, D Todaro, N Lovell, C Barrillaro & A Burke.
The Centrals Reserves also played North Geelong and with some players coming back into the seniors this also strengthened the Reserves side who knew this match would be a tough one against a team just below them as well. Centrals welcomed back Dale Evans after six months overseas but if not for the last line of defense led by Shaun Wiggins and Luke Simpson Centrals may have had a real fight on their hands. With a score line of four goals to two at half time the match did not hold any highlights at all. Centrals needed to regroup and to play a much more accountable game and be prepared to run like the older players in Heath Buck and Roland Beck. Jace Walters also across half back was one of Centrals best as they slowly lifted their work rate to win well but this side would need to do a lot more to ensure a finals spot in a couple of months time.
Final Scores:- Werribee Centrals 8.10 – 58 to North Geelong 4.5 – 29
Goal Kickers:- H Buck 3, D Giarrusso 2, P Hegarty, L Aquillina & D Evans 1 each.
Best Players:- R Beck, J Walters, J Pace, H Buck, L Simpson & S Wickens.