From www.localfooty.com.au
Reported by Luke D'Anello
Full Story Click Here
WERRIBEE booked its ticket to the VFL preliminary final after eclipsing minor premier Casey Scorpions by 18 points in a low-scoring war of attrition on Sunday.
Heavy winds meant the contest at Casey Fields was not exactly eye-catching, but it was Scott West's Tigers who prevailed, 6.10 (46) to 3.10 (28).
Werribee has now earned a week's rest and will next tackle either Geelong or Box Hill for a spot in the decider.
The Tigers trailed by 10 points at quarter-time after a slow start, but gradually rediscovered their mojo.
Werribee kicked the only three goals of the second term to take a nine-point lead into the main break.
The Scorpions fought back in the premiership quarter, reducing the deficit to just four points, before the Tigers produced a super final term to confirm victory.
The experienced Leigh Harding and Will Sierakowski led the way for Werribee, while emerging defender Kyle Hartigan also starred.
Ben Sharp also limited Brent Moloney's influence, while Ben McKinley potted three priceless majors.
"It was a funny old day and it was pretty windy conditions, so we knew it was going to be a scrap all day," Tigers captain Robbie Castello said.
"I think our intensity was second-to-none and we really fought it out. It was a four-quarter effort."
The Tigers have now put themselves in a strong position for a shot at their first premiership since 1993.
"All the boys are pretty happy to get a week off and I guess it's something we've really worked hard for and we probably deserve it," Castello said. "Now it's just a matter of getting the bodies right."
Werribee recorded 86 tackles, a season's best haul, and Castello said that set the platform for the success. "We identified their key was their midfield, with blokes like (James) Magner, Moloney, (Thomas) Couch and (Daniel) Nicholls and we just wanted to be harder than those boys. It slightly turned our way in the last quarter."
Castello said the week's rest will benefit the Tigers.
"We've done all the hard work. Now it's just fine-tuning and making sure we're right to go," he said.
