WRFL: Werribee Districts close in on finals spot with win over Sunshine
An ex-AFL defender produced a huge display to help Werribee Districts all but secure finals footy but they still have so much to play for with one round remaining.
Western
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You want your big guns firing at the pointy end of the season.
It’s exactly what’s happening at Werribee Districts with the Western Region Football League Division 1 finals now just two weeks away.
Former North Melbourne player Daniel Nielson had a day out with 13 majors as Districts romped to a 30.17 (197) to 7.6 (48) thumping of Sunshine on Saturday.
Nielson now has 20 goals in his last two outings after booting seven against Yarraville Seddon in his side’s previous game.
The result leaves Districts one game and almost 42 per cent clear of sixth-placed Spotswood meaning the top five is all but locked in.
Coach Chris Gilham said he was pleased to see Nielson finding his best form ahead of finals footy.
“He (Nielson) was unbelievable,” he said.
“Despite what the scoreboard said, you still have to convert your opportunities and take strong contested marks which he did all day. Even when he wasn’t able to take a grab he was bringing the ball to ground for his teammates.
“Dan missed a bit of footy through the early stages of the year but has been fantastic when he’s been called upon.”
It appears Districts could be finding their best footy at the right time with a place in the top three and a double chance still up for grabs.
They remain a game behind Hoppers Crossing (third) and Deer Park (fourth) although have a superior percentage to both sides.
Hoppers will face Caroline Springs next weekend while the Lions face Spotswood.
“Our goal was to win and win well,” Gilham said.
“Every time you make finals it’s a success for your club and it’s nice to be there again after the past couple of years. It’s a matter of where we finish now but we won’t be looking at what’s going on other grounds next weekend, we need to focus on ourselves.
“Whatever happens, happens.”
The home was quickly able to stamp its authority on the contest against the last placed Kangaroos kicking eight goals to none in the opening term.
And they didn’t slow down from there, kicking no less than six goals in a quarter to finish big winners.
Trent Lee and Jordan Patty both finished with three goals while Daniel Montalto, Harrison White and Josh Mould all chipped in with two.
Dillon Viojo-Rainbow, Ben McMahon, Ethan Di Battista and Gavin Donnon were all impressive throughout.
“The four-quarter performance was the most pleasing thing,” Gilham said.
“We spoke about wanting to jump out of the blocks but keep playing well and not going away from how we want to play.
“It was a really good win.”
The final round of the home and away season will see Gilham’s side travel to take on St Albans who got the better of Yarraville Seddon on Saturday.
“We know they’ll bring their best, St Albans is always really competitive at their ground,” the Districts coach said.
“It will be a tough test and we can’t afford to look too far ahead.”
Hisham Kerbatieh was best afield for Sunshine.
The Kangaroos will face Point Cook in the final round with the wooden spoon and possible relegation to Division 2 already confirmed.
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