Centrals Reserves won the right to play in their first Grand Final since 2010 and wanted to get some respect back after a disaster in the second semi final against North Geelong. There was only one change seeing Roland Beck play another game in his long career and it was also to be Andrew Zammits 50th game. Centrals knew they would have to be much stronger this week and also would need to cover Norths run around the ground.
The first quarter was very even with both sides struggling to convert. Tom Colliver was a tower of strength in defense and again as he ran forward to mark strongly. Both Centrals goals came from snaps and players prepared to run to space which were good signs. Peter Grey in the ruck was giving Centrals first use of the ball and this was assisting Centrals keep with North Geelong.
In the second North came out attacking and Centrals struggled to keep pace but with a string of points Centrals were lucky that the margin at half time was not a lot more than 20 points. It was now or never and Centrals knew it but North kicked the first and it looked as if they were going to career away with it again, but to Centrals credit they kept fighting and slowly the game turned with Mitch Gatti kicking two and John Drohomirecki breaking his drought with a major bringing the gap back to 5 points. Centrals were winning the centre clearances and this clearly showed as Nick Byrne ran free to kick a goal. Two goals to North put a 10 point margin at the last change.
Coach Andrew McDonald implored with his team not to leave anything behind in the last quarter and they played strong running football but just could not kick a goal. Two bad errors when in control of the ball by Centrals changed the game as North kicked a couple of goals from them and this seemed to sap the energy out of the group and in the last 10 minutes were able to kick a four more to make the final score look much worse than what it was really. It was great to see the younger players play so well and things look bright for a few of them to jump into senior ranks next year.
Final Scores:- Werribee Centrals 8.4- 52 to North Geelong 13.19 - 97
Goal Kickers:- J Drohomerecki 2, M Gatti 2, R Richardson, N Byrne, C Wilson & R Murphy 1 each.
Best Players:- T Colliver, R Richardson, P Grey, C Chesterman, J Cailes & L O’Malley.
Remember its Presentation Night next Friday at the Italian Sports Club Werribee starting at 7.00pm so make sure you have your tickets. No Ticket no entry.
Last Modified on 17/09/2013 22:12