VFL: Werribee score big win over Collingwood as Hudson Garoni kicks five

A Werribee forward finally got reward for effort with five goals in a big win as coach Michael Barlow highlighted players he thought deserved a chance ahead of the Mid-Season Draft.

Learning on the run has Werribee well placed for a big second half to the VFL season according to coach Michael Barlow.

The Big W find themselves sitting at 4-4 after back-to-back victories got their season back on track.

Those included a 16.13 (109) to 8.6 (54) win over Collingwood on Sunday.

Barlow’s men led at every change to come away with a vital win which sees them sit 13th on the ladder, a game and percentage behind eighth placed Brisbane.

While he was pleased with his side’s ability to “even the ledger” Barlow said it was a club-wide approach which has Werribee pushing for a place in the top eight.

“The connection and understanding of how we wanted to get the season back on track as a club has been the most impressive thing,” he said.

“Being in a part-time footy environment, a lot of lessons have been learnt in matches. Unfortunately we’ve found that out the hard way in some of our close losses against Carlton and the Gold Coast.

“But in recent weeks the composure has improved in those pressure situations — it’s the beneficiary of learning in game.”

Hudson Garoni finished with five goals. Photo: AFL Photos.

Tom Gribble again found plenty of the footy. Photo: AFL Photos.

Tom Gribble found plenty of the footy against the Pies finishing with 33 disposals and seven clearances in a dominant win while the evergreen Matt Hanson had 24 touches.

But it was Hudson Garoni’s five-goal performance which caught the eye.

“It had been coming,” Barlow said.

“It might sound funny but his performance didn’t feel any different to previous weeks. He has been doing a lot right and unfortunately just wasn’t doing the last little bit whether it was taking a mark after getting in the right position or kicking a goal.

“We’re really pleased it all came together for him.”

Barlow said the return of Nick Coughlan in recent weeks had also given his side a major boost.

But the numbers don’t always tell the full story of the former St Kilda man’s importance to Werribee according to his coach.

“He’s so important in terms of the way we’re able to set up out on the ground,” Barlow said.

“Sunday was actually the first time we’ve had all of the leadership group play together this year which is very important.”

Nathan Cooper has excelled as a key defender for Werribee. Photo: AFL Photos

Several Werribee players have also been mentioned in discussions ahead of the AFL’s Mid-Season Draft including Kye Declase, who was selected by Melbourne last year, and key defender Nathan Cooper.

“Kye deserves another opportunity — he’s better for having been in the system,” Barlow said.

“I think he could go into an AFL environment and have an impact.

“Then if you look at Natah, clubs could be doing a lot worse if they don’t consider him for an opportunity. He has shown he can play on AFL-listed forwards this season.

“Jack Henderson is another guy who has been playing good footy in a hybrid midfield-forward role and could be one to watch.”

Werribee will return to action in a Wednesday night game on June 8 against Richmond at the Swinburne Centre.