From The Age
Reported by Brent Diamond
Full Story Click Here
WESTERN Bulldogs ruck combination Jordan Roughead and Will Minson helped Williamstown withstand a gritty final-quarter comeback from the Werribee Tigers to win by 13 points at Avalon Airport Oval yesterday.
Werribee's loss is a cruel blow to its top-four hopes, but the spirited last-quarter performance in which it came back from a 27-point three-quarter-time deficit to get within eight points has given it hope that it can compete with the top echelon.
North Melbourne's Hamish McIntosh felt the going tough for Werribee — and with Todd Goldstein dominating at senior level — his hopes of returning to the senior line-up appear to be even slimmer after yesterday's performance.
"If you look at his first half, he was really not involved in the contest but credit to him, he came back and we put it on him a bit," Werribee coach Paul Satterley said. "In the second half, I think he had 16 possessions and eight marks so he really imposed himself, which is what we expect of him quarter by quarter."
Sean Tighe, a young AFL draft prospect, was among the players who triggered the Werribee fightback. He kicked the first goal of the last term — one of three for the match — and along with Ben Sharp, Jarrod Mather and Matt O'Dwyer, was among the Tigers' most valuable players.
Williamstown had far too much firepower early, with Roughead, along with Josh Hill (three goals) proving dangerous up forward. The Seagulls won, 13.11 (89) to 11.10 (76).
Bulldogs development coach Peter German, also the Seagulls coach, said Roughead had blossomed up forward in the VFL.
"That's where the game's at now, to try to get a tallish forward who can lead and mark and kick goals. I was actually happy with his ruck work and forward play," German said.
Roughead finished with 19 disposals, seven marks, 17 hit-outs and three goals. Minson was also dominant during patches with 19 disposals and 28 hit-outs.
Williamstown's regulars were important, including skipper Brett Johnson, David Stretton and Ben Jolley, while Ayce Cordy also pressed for a senior AFL debut.
German also confirmed that Bulldogs defender Brian Lake missed with an ongoing calf injury and appeared in doubt again for next week.
Meanwhile, the Bendigo Bombers' season is back on track following a 30-point win over Geelong at Windy Hill yesterday.
Cameron Mooney kicked 4.4 for the Cats and was among the best, while Dawson Simpson corked a thigh but is expected to be fit for next week.
