10 YEARS IN THE MAKING FOR DISTRICTS
By CONNOR PAIN
Werribee Districts capped a near perfect season with a 22-point triumph over Point Cook in the TIV Division One Seniors, marking the first flag for the Tigers since joining the competition in 2013.
Made to work all day, the class of the premiers shone through as the game progressed and saw them avenge a 2022 grand final loss and go one better.
Having lost just once all season, the opening term looked ominous for Werribee who got off to a shaky start as Point Cook’s pressure and clean disposal at the contest was excellent.
Districts scored the first point of the game but repeat entries inside forward 50 eventually saw the Bulldogs kick the game’s opening goal, inaccurate kicking the only thing early that kept Werribee from a huge hole at the first break.
The underdogs kept attacking early in the second but continued missed opportunities in the forward half of the ground kept it well within the Districts grasp, and a goal after the half time siren from Timothy Jenkins put his side in front at the half and, ultimately, for good.
The main break did little to stop the contested battle but it was Werribee who started to get on top.
Winning the ball at the contest across the ground launched forays forward, but it was the work of their back six led by Lee Johnston who were impeccable.
The Bulldogs transition and attacks forward ground to a halt as they struggled after quarter time to get any momentum in their attacking half, not registering a major after quarter time until the 22nd minute mark of the final term.
Werribee pushed its lead at the final change to 11-points and Chris Gilham’s three quarter time rev up proved inspirational.
Joshua Mould’s goal in the first 30 seconds of the final term put Werribee on their way to a groundbreaking first premiership in the WRFL as they ran out 9.11(65) to 5.13(43) victors, the icing on the cake after a dominant season.
Two-time Barry Priest Medallist Jenkins gets the elusive premiership he’s craved in his stellar career and a host of Districts stalwarts can deservedly celebrate a momentous grand final win.
Point Cook will rue missed opportunities, particularly in the first quarter, but Clay Smith’s men were gallant all day. Nicholas Buykx was immense as captain and 16-year old debutant Thomas Burton excellent in defeat.