GDFL: Werribee Centrals to face North Geelong in round 2 clash

Werribee Centrals coach Rhyce Prismall says there is a new-found optimism surrounding the playing group after a strong off-season signing spree.

Football GDFL: Inverleigh v Werribee Centrals. Werribee Centrals playing coach 2 Rhyse Prismall Picture: Mark Wilson

Werribee Centrals coach Rhyce Prismall says there is a new-found optimism surrounding the playing group after a strong off-season signing spree.

The Centurions debuted eight players in their two-point loss to Bannockburn in round 1, as well as welcoming back captain Daryl Chesterman, who had played just three senior games since 2019 because of a torrid run with injury.

Prismall said it was disappointing to lose to the Tigers in round 1, but the result had given the side a lot of confidence after a struggling 2022 campaign.

“It was a completely different side to what we had last year, so you’re never really sure how it’ll all come together in the pre-season,” he said.

“Not taking anything away from Bannockburn but they’re not the same team on paper as they were last year so we took that into account and went in with an open mind to be competitive and play our style.

“Unfortunately we weren’t able to get the four points, which is obviously what we play for, but we’ll take a fair bit out of how we played for the first time together and how we really pushed last year’s benchmark.”

Daryl Chesterman has returned to the Centurions. Picture: Mark Wilson

The new-look Centurions will come up against North Geelong on Saturday, with the Magpies also starting the season 0-1 under coach Michael Boothey.

Prismall said he expected an improved season from Werribee Centrals after a disappointing year in 2022, but he was content with the “underdog status” that had been applied to the Centurions.

“I don’t think we have the right to take anyone lightly at this level, considering we only beat three teams last year,” he said.

“We’ll be going into the game embracing that underdog status, that’s what we’ll be going with all year, especially since the competition is much improved.

“We have confidence in our side and our structure, but we can’t have that level of arrogance that we can just walk over these blokes.

“We’re realistic in our expectations and how we’re viewed externally, and that is a goal of ours, we want to turn those opinions around but we can only do that with good form.

“We want to get back to the reputation that the Centrals had in previous decades as a really strong, successful club, and we know that the only way we can do that is to build on the field with results.”

Originally published as GDFL: Werribee Centrals to face North Geelong in round 2 clash