Match result

Footscray 13.17 (95) def. Werribee 10.11 (71)

In action

Jed Anderson (12 disposals)

Will Fordham (21 disposals)

Lachlan Hansen (14 disposals)

Mitch Hibberd (25 disposals, 8 marks)

Nick Larkey (14 disposals, 2 goals)

Daniel Nielson (13 disposals, 5 marks)

Braydon Preuss (17 disposals, 63 hit-outs)

Matt Taylor (18 disposals)

Corey Wagner (9 disposals)

Sam Wright (18 disposals)

Cameron Zurhaar (12 disposals, 1 goal)

Check back for full stats on Monday morning

Story of the game

Werribee had been on a roll, winning the last six on the trot, but it was Footscray who came out on top in a game with plenty of momentum swings.

Footscray took an early lead in the first quarter, before Werribee fought back, ensuring the Dogs’ lead remained in the single digits in the second and third terms. Footscray kicked away late in the third quarter and were ultimately too strong for the Tigers.

All eyes from the North camp were on Sam Wright, as he played his first match in several months and made a successful return from ankle and foot issues that had kept him sidelined this year.

North’s number 19 got through the game without any issues and will be looking to build his match fitness as he presses his case for senior selection.

Corey Wagner also made his return from an ankle injury he sustained in North’s win over Adelaide in round seven.

Best of the AFL

Braydon Preuss

The big man had a day out against the Dogs, collecting 63 hit-outs and 18 disposals.

It was a dominant performance from the number 31 who was rarely beaten in the ruck all day.

He sent a scare through the Werribee camp as he came to the bench with what looked to be a painful knock to the elbow. Ever the competitor, Preuss returned only moments later with the elbow strapped and continued where he left off.

Plenty of contested grabs from Preuss as well in that first term #PJVFL pic.twitter.com/KEWvzsWb4Z — North Melbourne (@NMFCOfficial) June 24, 2017

Best of the VFL

Tom Gribble

Gribble was the Tigers' leading possession-getter, collecting 32 disposals in an impressive outing.

The 22-year-old was composed on the ball and looked dangerous whenever he got near it.

Talking points

Hibberd on song

Mitch Hibberd was impressive in a tough day for Werribee at Whitten Oval. He would have done his chance of a senior call up-no harm, with 25 disposals.

Hibberd provided the Tigers with plenty of run, streaming through the middle of the ground on a number of occasions.

The coaches were impressed with what Hibberd served up on Saturday, praising his ball-use and decision making.

On the Wright track

By his own admission, it wasn’t the best game he’s ever had, but Wright will be thrilled to have got a full game under his belt.

His season has been cruelled by injury, so to see him play out a full game would put a massive smile on everyone's face at Arden Street.

Wright spent a majority of time at half-back and took responsibility for a number of Werribee’s kick-ins.

It surely won’t be long until we see Wright back in the royal blue and white.

Larkey kicking goals

Youngster Nick Larkey has been in good goal-scoring form and he didn’t disappoint today.

Larkey looked dangerous up forward, booting two goals and taking a handful marks both inside 50 and higher up the ground.

Preuss’ dominance

The big man won the first hit-out and barely lost one in the following 120 minutes of footy.

Against the Dogs’ AFL-listed ruckman, Tim English, Preuss was able to use his strength to be first to the ball and gave his midfielders first use.

He took a number of contested marks around the ground and today’s performance will ensure that his name is again discussed at North’s match committee this week.

Cameron Zurhaar.

Braydon Preuss flies high.

Nick Larkey.

Corey Wagner.

Lachlan Hansen.

Matt Taylor.

Nick Larkey.