Match result

Werribee 17.3.105 defeated Port Melbourne 15.12.102

In action

Lindsay Thomas (15 disposals, 4 tackles, 4 goals)

Cameron Zurhaar (18 disposals, 2 goals)

Todd Goldstein (16 disposals, 58 hit-outs, 2 goals)

Lachlan Hansen (12 disposals, 9 marks, 2 goals)

Jed Anderson (15 disposals, 6 tackles, 1 goal)

Josh Williams (17 disposals, 1 goal)

Will Fordham (14 disposals, 5 marks)

Ben McKay (8 disposals, 5 tackles)

Matt Taylor (20 disposals, 7 marks)

Story of the game

It was a game played out of the middle as Werribee took on Port Melbourne at RAMS Arena in Craigieburn.

Former North Melbourne player Robin Nahas kicked the first major of the game, before Todd Goldstein marked in the forward-50 and slotted the goal to give Werribee the slimmest of leads. Goals to Cameron Zurhaar and Jed Anderson kept Werribee in the game, but the Borough took a two-point lead into quarter-time.

The second quarter began with Port gaining the early ascendancy, kicking three goals from the first six scoring opportunities of the quarter. The away team kicked six goals for the term, with Lindsay Thomas keeping Werribee in it with two goals of his own. At half-time, the margin was 17 points.

The third term saw Port out to a 27-point lead, with the first two majors, before North’s big names stood tall to grab the lead by the final change.

Goldstein, Thomas and Lachlan Hansen all had an impact on the scoreboard, with the latter pair each kicking two majors. Anderson had an impact around the ball, with the majority of his 15 possessions coming in the premiership quarter.

“[Jed] had three or four clearances in the third,” North Development Coach David Loader said.

“He had about eight or nine touches in that third quarter when we really turned the game. We went from probably being on the back foot to back on the front foot by three-quarter time.”

The final quarter saw several lead changes, with both teams failing to capitalise on their opportunities in front of goal. Werribee gave up the lead late in the game, but a goal to Tom Gribble and Zurhaar’s match-winner in the dying minutes saw the Tigers take the points.

“When you look at Todd, Jed, Lindsay, Cam and Lachie – they’re going to be spoken about at length this week when it comes to selection” Loader said.

“The influence that those guys had in the second half of today’s game was profound.

“Each and every one of them was able to bring their A-Grade AFL-quality stuff this afternoon, which is what we’re looking for when guys are playing VFL Football.

“For us as a club, I think it’s a great step forward for those guys and it’s going to be a very interesting week.”

Best of the VFL

Tom Gribble

The Tigers’ midfielder had 29 disposals and booted 2 goals in an impressive performance.

Talking points

Zurhaar steps up

Back in the VFL after two games at AFL level, Zurhaar brought his fierce competitiveness and attack on the ball back to Werribee without missing a beat.

18 possessions and 6 inside 50s saw the youngster have a real impact on the game.

“The benefit of going in and playing some AFL football has just given him (Zurhaar) a real shot in the arm,” Loader said.

“He was really impressive and his intensity today was right up, a really solid four-quarter performance from Cam.”

North's number 44 also stepped up to kick the winning goal.

North youngster Cam Zurhaar kicks the match-winner in a great win for Werribee over fourth-placed Port Melbourne #BeAShinboner #NMFC pic.twitter.com/R15NaQLIqB — North Melbourne (@NMFCOfficial) July 31, 2017

Goldstein finds touch

The North big man overcame some fierce competition in the first half to finish the day with 58 hit-outs, 16 possessions and 2 goals, giving the match committee plenty to consider ahead of the Round 20 clash with Collingwood.

He battled early, but showed dominance after the main break in the ruck contest, while proving too strong around the ground and in the air.

“In the second half he (Goldstein) really took over and gave us domination through the middle part of the ground,” Loader said.

“His second half today looked clearly better than what he put up in the last couple of weeks, so it’s been an absolutely sensational response from Todd.”

Great to see Todd Goldstein back to his best in the VFL on Sunday. 16 disposals, 58 hit-outs, two goals #BeAShinboner #NMFC pic.twitter.com/WuVffMB3t0 — North Melbourne (@NMFCOfficial) July 31, 2017

Lindsay lines up

Lindsay Thomas proved to be incredibly damaging to Port going forward, with the small-forward kicking four majors.

Bringing the forward-pressure that he’s been known for, Thomas finished with 15 possessions, 5 inside 50s and laid 4 tackles, keeping the opposition defenders’ hands full.

“Lindsay just looked lively and challenged his direct opponent and the Port Melbourne opposition every time he got near the footy,” Loader added.

“It was a bit of Lindsay of old where he was up and about and it looked like something was going to happen every time he got near the footy.”

Cam Zurhaar

Development Coach David Loader with Todd Goldstein.

Jed Anderson and Lachlan Hansen.

John Lamont addresses the team.

Josh Williams.

Cam Zurhaar.