WOORINEN have claimed their fifth win of the year, overcoming Tyntynder’s pressure to run away six-goal winners over the Bulldogs as the Tigers celebrated a loyal local son.
Woorinen’s defensive rebounding and overlap running was the key to the success, as the Tigers led at every break to win 14.15 (99) to 9.9 (63).
The Tigers made sure it was a milestone to remember for club favourite Matthew Iannucci, whose 300th club game came in the victory.
Tigers coach Marcus Demaria said “it was very important” his side got the win to celebrate Iannucci’s loyal career.
“Matty (Iannucci) has been a club stalwart here for quite a while,” Demaria said.
“Three hundred games is quite the achievement so we spoke about the level of professionalism he shows and the way he conducts himself.
“He’s done everything in his power to make sure he can serve our team and the club.
“He played a great game as well; we were all pretty pleased with how he went and he should be proud of his efforts in the game.”
Up against a side with a number of goal-kicking threats, Woorinen’s backline held up strongly and propelled the Tigers forward with quick but controlled ball movement.
The Tigers’ half-back trio of Taylor Cameron, Mitchell Uhlhorn and Douglas Beames were a consistent launching pad for Woorinen’s forays forward while also limiting the depth of Tyntynder’s attack.
Kyle Steicke performed admirably in a lockdown role against strong Tyntynder forward Jason Eagle, who was held to two goals, while Matthew Gardner’s intercept marking cut off multiple inside-50s.
Demaria said his backline had consistently shown the ability to keep sides quiet while also being key to Woorinen’s propulsion.
“Matty Gardner and Taylor Cameron have just been unreal for us,” he said.
“Mitch Uhlhorn was another one.
“It was pretty much a straight swap between him and Henry Thompson between midfield and half-back.
“Having Mitch running and executing off half-back gives us so much drive forward.
“Ggiving him that opportunity has worked really well for us.
“Then Kyle (Steicke) was given one of the biggest jobs in local football coming back to the senior side and going up against (Jason) Eagle.
“It would be easy for some of these guys to not put their hands up but they never shirk the issue and are always wanting to step up and help the club.”
The Tigers’ midfield were relentless, working hard to assist their backline and allow quick transition through a combination of run and precise movement.
Josh Domaille’s and Jye Barry’s inside work was made easier through the impressive ruckwork of Arnold Kirby, with Lachlan Warburton, Henry Thompson and Regan Vesty also getting plenty of the ball.
Will Collicoat was the leading scorer with three goals, with Kirby and Barry both kicking two goals and the Tigers also having seven players who added a goal apiece to their tally.
The Bulldogs showed flashes of brilliance at times, with Cayden Crowe having great impact through the midfield and working hard in defence to be one of Tyntynder’s best for the game.
Crowe, Brock Storer and Marcus Wattie battled tirelessly all game and ensured their presence was felt at the contest, while Ned Lay’s effort saw him named as the Bulldogs’ best player for the game.
Tyntynder’s Roy George continued to impress, kicking two goals, as did Pat Blake in the final term, but it wasn’t enough and the Tigers worked to put an end to any Tyntynder fightback.
The Bulldogs had their tails up early in the final quarter as they kicked consecutive goals to bring the margin within three goals but Woorinen’s calmness under pressure won out on their home ground.
Demaria said he was impressed by the Bulldogs’ attack on the ball and never-quit attitude.
“I thought Tyntynder had obviously planned for us very well,” he said.
“They had kept themselves right in it for the last quarter but for us to show that character at the end when we were challenged was very pleasing.
“I think in the past when we are challenged like that it was easy for us to drop our heads, but to fight it out and put a stop to the momentum was character-building.”
The win sees Woorinen remain in third place on the ladder, two points clear of Kerang, before the Tigers travel to Barham for their round 8 clash with the River Raiders.
Tyntynder will be keen to get their fourth win on the board as they host fifth-placed side Tooleybuc-Manangatang.
SCORES
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final Score |
| Woorinen | 4.3 | 8.7 | 10.9 | 14.15 | 99 |
| Tyntynder | 3.0 | 5.5 | 7.8 | 9.9 | 63 |
VOTES
3 votes: Taylor Cameron (Woorinen)
2 votes: Mitchell Uhlhorn (Woorinen)
1 vote: Cayden Crowe (Tytynder)
