Werribee Districts confirmed its status as one of the top teams in the Western Region Football League with a 32-point win against Spotswood on Saturday.
In what was clearly the division 1 match of the round, the second-placed Tigers hosted the third-placed Woodsmen with a potential home final on the line later in the season.
Despite being less experienced when it comes to crunch WRFL matches, Werribee got off to the better start, booting three goals in the opening term to take a 12-point lead by the first break.
PICTURE GALLERY | Spotswood v Werribee Districts
Both teams controlled periods of play in the second and third terms, with Werribee stretching its lead to 15 points; then it was cut to five going into the last quarter.
With the match on the line, the home side produced some of its best football, kicking seven last-quarter goals to seal the 15.12 (102) to 10.10 (70) win.
Werribee Districts coach Wade Chapman said the win was his side’s best for the season.
“It was a really good performance from everyone that took to the field,” he said.
“We were playing against a club that has been the yardstick of the competition for the last 15 years.
“The under-18s had a win, the reserves had a win and so did the seniors, so it was a great day for the club.”
Christopher Molivas and Ryan Harrington were outstanding on the Werribee forward line, each finishing with four goals.
For Spotswood, Jason Cloke was the go-to target, kicking four goals.
The win gives Werribee some breathing space in outright second spot on the ladder.
The Tigers are now six points clear of the third-placed Woodsmen. Werribee Districts will meet strugglers Yarraville-Seddon when round nine begins on June 14. Spotswood will take on Sunshine (sixth).
“Playing Yarraville at Yarraville will be tough,” Chapman said.
“As I said to the guys, if you don’t bring the correct mindset on the day, any team can win.”
In other division 1 results at the weekend, Deer Park defeated Altona, Hoppers Crossing smashed Yarraville, St Albans got over the top of Port Melbourne, and Sunshine was too good for Albion.
