Match result

Werribee 10.12.72 defeated North Ballarat 9.13.67

In action

Majak Daw (16 disposals, 12 hit-outs, 7 marks, 3 goals)

Sam Durdin (17 disposals, 4 marks, 4 tackles)

Will Fordham (20 disposals, 6 tackles, 1 goal)

Mitch Hibberd (24 disposals, 12 marks)

Ben Jacobs (43 disposals, 4 tackles, 3 marks)

Nick Larkey (11 disposals, 7 hit-outs, 2 goals)

Daniel Nielson (12 disposals, 5 marks)

Braydon Preuss (55 hit-outs, 15 disposals)

Matt Taylor (15 disposals, 3 marks, 2 tackles)

Josh Williams (22 disposals, 6 marks)

Cameron Zurhaar (14 disposals)

Story of the game

Werribee travelled to Eureka Stadium to face a winless North Ballarat side on Saturday afternoon.

A strong first quarter with the advantage of the wind had the Tigers up by 20 points, and it appeared a comfortable win was on its way. Braydon Preuss was dominating in the ruck, and Ben Jacobs was finding the ball at will at ground level.

But for the next two terms it was essentially goal for goal, as the Roosters refused to lie down. The game was largely played at ground level, with repeat contests the order of the afternoon.

Nevertheless, when Majak Daw kicked his third goal at the start of the last term, Werribee led by 29 points and the game looked all but over.

But there was still time for one more charge from North Ballarat. From 25 points down entering time-on, three consecutive goals brought the margin back to five points at the 29-minute mark.

It set up a tense finale, but Werribee held on for the win, its fourth in a row.

Best of the AFL

Ben Jacobs

After a full game in the development league last week, Jacobs stepped up to the VFL seniors and looked like he’d barely missed any time, leading the Werribee midfield all afternoon.

Best of the VFL

Ryley Barrack

For a second consecutive week, the 21-year-old impressed in the back half, cutting off numerous North Ballarat attacking raids.

Talking points

Daw’s all-round game

Majak Daw was required all over the ground for Werribee.

Spending time forward, in the ruck and also floating into the defensive 50 when necessary, Daw was important in each area of the field.

He finished with three goals and looked dangerous whenever he was close to the ball.

Preuss’ hit-outs

Whenever Braydon Preuss was involved in a ruck contest, the safe assumption was that he’d win the hit-out.

The Roosters tried anything and everything to stop Preuss in the air, but the ruckman continued to give his midfield first use of the ball, all day.

Jacobs runs the game out

Still in the early stages of his comeback, you could be forgiven for thinking Ben Jacobs may be a bit rusty as he regains his touch.

Nothing could have been further from the truth on Saturday, with the midfielder finishing the game just as strongly as he started.

It was a promising sign for North Melbourne, with an eventual return to AFL level no doubt strengthening the side’s midfield.

Crisis averted

When Dan Nielson went down clutching his knee, the initial thoughts weren’t good, the defender having already suffered one torn anterior cruciate ligament.

Thankfully it turned out to be a false alarm, with Nielson able to leave the field on his own accord and then eventually return to the field where he resumed a key spot in defence.