URGENT UPDATE: Werribee’s hopes of defending their title in the Victorian Football League have officially ended following a crushing loss to Richmond on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at Melbourne Avalon Airport Oval. The team needed to win all remaining matches to have a chance at the finals, but a disastrous first quarter sealed their fate.
Richmond dominated the game from the outset, leading 41-7 by the end of the first quarter. Despite Werribee’s attempts to close the gap, they ultimately succumbed to a final score of 15.9 (99) to 7.11 (53). Coach Jimmy Allan did not hold back in his assessment of the team’s performance, stating, “It was a very ordinary performance. We were completely outplayed.”
Allan highlighted the team’s struggles with fundamental errors, particularly in the first quarter, which allowed Richmond to capitalize with repeated inside 50s. “Where we were turning it over made it hard to defend,” he explained. Werribee managed to show resilience in the second and third quarters, but an early goal in the last quarter from Richmond broke their spirit, leading to a “procession” of goals.
Despite the loss, Hudson Garoni stood out for Werribee, scoring four goals while facing tough opposition. Allan noted that Garoni often found himself outnumbered in contests but still delivered a strong performance. Other notable players included Jack Riding, who racked up 35 possessions, and Louis Pinnuck with 30 touches.
Werribee now languishes in 15th place on the ladder, three games adrift of the top 10, with only three rounds remaining. Their chances of making the finals are now extinguished, particularly with a bye coming up. Allan acknowledged that while he was unaware of their slim finals hopes until recently, the team’s performance throughout the season has reflected their current standings.
“We haven’t played well enough for long enough,” Allan remarked. “We don’t deserve to play finals.” Looking ahead, the coach emphasized the importance of assessing player capabilities in the remaining weeks.
Werribee’s players are expected to train lightly this week, with some likely participating in local football matches, pending medical clearance. Allan stated, “We’ll now find out who is up to the level and who is not in the next couple of weeks.”
As the Werribee Tigers regroup for the final matches of the season, fans are left wondering what the future holds for this young squad.
