Match result

Werribee 13.9.87 defeated Northern Blues 11.6.72

In action

Jed Anderson

Ben Jacobs

Daniel Nielson

Braydon Preuss

Declan Watson

Josh Williams

Will Fordham

Majak Daw

Mitch Hibberd

Declan Mountford

Cameron Zurhaar

Matthew Taylor

Story of the game

While the two sides weren’t playing for points, there were certainly no backward steps in a spirited affair at Arden Street.

It was a see-sawing battle for much of the day, with the teams going into the final change tied at 60 points apiece.

With several North-listed players, including Cameron Zurhaar and Braydon Preuss standing tall when it mattered most, Werribee ran away late to record a 15-point victory.

Talking points

Zurhaar’s big finish

The rookie gained some valuable experience in the JLT Series, and continues to impress in his first season.

While he’s been played predominantly in the forward half in his first few games, the youngster moved into the midfield in the second half with great effect.

“He (Zurhaar) was instrumental late in the day. He was involved in our first three clearances and our first three goals in the last quarter,” Development Coach David Loader said.

“He really used his power and his energy around the footy to be explosive and get the ball forward.

“He’s physically capable of matching it with guys who’ve been playing at the higher level for years.”

Preuss’ multiple roles

While Preuss has been a dominant performer in the ruck, he was equally effective in attack against the Blues.

The big man pulled down several strong marks when the game was in the balance in the final term, slotting a couple of vital goals.

“His tap-work was exceptional as it usually is,” Loader said.

“When he did play forward, for the limited time he got there, he ended up with five or six shots on goal.”

Williams’ continued improvement

North fans would have been excited watching a few of Josh Williams’ outstanding runs this year, but he’s quickly building a nicely rounded game.

The youngster is finding more of the ball by the week, as a vital link in the chain going into attack for Werribee.

“Josh continues to take steps forward every game he plays,” Loader said.

“Every time Josh plays a game he seems to show a little bit more of what he’s capable of.”

Williams spent more time in the forward line on Sunday, making himself dangerous around the contest.

Daw flies

Majak Daw provided one of the highlights of the day, with a screamer in the third quarter.

One for the highlight reel from Majak Daw today #NMFC #PJVFL pic.twitter.com/7esk9NSBIE — North Melbourne (@NMFCOfficial) May 28, 2017

Emerging midfielders

North’s match committee can have plenty of confidence in the club’s depth, with youngsters Mitch Hibberd, Declan Mountford and Will Fordham all influential again.

Mountford played his first game in three weeks after being the designated match-day emergency twice, but didn’t look to have missed a beat.

“He’s slotted in like he hasn’t missed any footy,” Loader said.

“His ability to run and drive with his legs and open the game up and create space, to get some good entries inside 50 was exceptional.

“Three or four times today he showed us he’s got some real A-grade qualities in that area.”

Hibberd has regularly been amongst the Tigers’ bests this year, enjoying a switch from defence on Sunday.

“He played on the wing for the first quarter, then went inside and played as an inside-midfielder which is a totally different role for him,” Loader added.

“It was great to see Mitch embrace the contest and try and get around the footy.”

Fordham ran hard all day and slotted a classy running goal from 50 in the first term.

Photos

Braydon Preuss in the ruck

Majak Daw looks to get clear

Mitch Hibberd

Josh Williams

Majak Daw up high

Declan Watson

Cameron Zurhaar

Declan Mountford