WRFL scores: Werribee Districts defeat Altona to secure top spot
The WRFL Division 1 club is 4-1 after knocking over Altona despite losing several big names over the off-season. Coach Chris Gilham assesses the Tigers’ latest win.
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Werribee Districts’ new-look line-up took down flag favourite Altona on Saturday to move to the top of the Western Region Football League Division 1 ladder.
The Tigers waved goodbye to several stars in the off-season but have erased any question marks over their status as a top-flight force with a 4-1 start to the campaign.
The 12.15 (87) to 12.7 (79) win over the previously undefeated Vikings was another shot in the arm for Chris Gilham’s side, which has also knocked off Hoppers Crossing, Spotswood, St Albans and Point Cook in 2021.
Werribee Districts overcame a late charge from the visitors at Soldiers Reserve after establishing an 18-point advantage at three-quarter-time.
Gilham said the victory over a red-hot opponent was “reward for effort” as his young team passed another stern test with flying colours.
“It’s just another lesson to the blokes that it’s worth paying the price because it’s such a good feeling when you get a job done like that against a good team,” Gilham said.
“I was really proud of the boys’ efforts.
“The bigger the game, the boys keep improving and they’re up for it.
“There’s a really good feel amongst our group, great buy in, people just want to get better, just want to contribute and at the moment we’re just getting something from everyone.
“Whether they’re playing 80 per cent of the game of 50, everyone’s doing their own little bit, and it’s turned into results.
“If we come with great effort and attitude, we’re good enough to be out there in these big games.”
Gilham said his team defended strongly and had no passengers against “a class side”.
Ben McMahon continues to fire after taking over the mantle as No.1 ruckman, while Josh Mould’s shift from defence to the midfield again reaped dividends as he iced his performance with three goals.
Ex-North Melbourne defender Daniel Nielson also gave the Tigers a target up forward, finishing with three majors.
Connor Thar backed up his best-afield display against Hoppers Crossing the previous week, while Gavin Donnon impressed with his composure in defence and filled the void of Barry Priest medallist Matt Dean, who will be sidelined long-term with a ruptured bicep tendon.
But Gilham said the evenness of the contribution should not be ignored.
“We always talk about that we don’t need standouts, we just need people to stand up when it’s their turn,” he said.
Sean Gregory was a late withdrawal, while Western Jet Harrison White was also absent after he was selected in Saturday’s Young Guns game, which featured the state’s best under-23 players.
“There’s going to be headaches at selection because people don’t deserve to go out of the side, but then people are going to demand to come in the side,” Gilham said.
“We’re pretty healthy at the moment, which is half the battle this year on the back of having a season off, and we’ve got some good players playing reserves and keeping the pressure on.”
Werribee Districts will host Deer Park in Round 6.
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