VFL: Werribee back in top eight.

An accurate Werribee have moved back into the top eight after a thrilling come-from-behind win over Port Melbourne in round fifteen of the VFL season at Rams Arena in Craigieburn. Trailing by 29 points late in the third quarter, Werribee hit the lead at the final change but again trailed midway through the final term before they regained the lead thanks to a goal from Cameron Zurhaar at the 25-minute mark to see them hang on winning 17.3.105 to 15.11.101.

 It was the Borough's third loss in a row and they now sit outside the top four in a very even season. North Melbourne ruckman, Todd Goldstein, was best-a-field for Werribee with a fine display around the ground collecting 56 hitouts, 17 disposals and two goals while Kangaroo teammate, Lindsay Thomas (15 disposals, 5 marks) was dangerous booting four goals and Ryley Barrack (14, 4 marks) continued his good form down back.

Jordan Lisle (15, 7 marks) kicked a game-high five goals for Port Melbourne and Blake Pearson (11) three while skipper Toby Pinwell (26) and Thomas O’Sullivan (23) were fine contributors for the Borough. The seven goals to three third quarter changed the momentum of the game after Port Melbourne had the better of the first half establishing a seventeen point lead at the main break. North Melbourne defender Lachie Hansen (12, 9 marks) shifted forward in the third term to immediate effect booting three goals and when Louis Pinnuck kicked truly late in the quarter the Tigers were in front.

 Goldstein' dominance at the centre bounce was curbed by the Borough's grunt at the fall of the ball where Pinwell, Templeton (20) and O'Sullivan worked hard to provide their forwards with opportunities. An early Matt Hanson goal increased the Tigers lead but the Borough quickly responded with three of their own. Lisle' fifth at the fifteen minute mark had Port eight points in front.

 However the Tigers dug deep and goals to Thomas Gribble and then the last of the game to Zurhaar seeing them home in a nail biter. Hanson (26 disposals) and skipper Michael Sodomaco (15) were again in everything for Werribee often capitalising on Goldstein’s dominance while Zurhaar (18) and Thomas were lively on the forward line. For Port Melbourne Luke Tynan (24 disposals, nine marks) played will in defence and Sam Dwyer (25) worked hard around the ground while Lucas Cook (10, 5 marks) battled hard down back in a game the Borough will wonder how it slipped away after what seemed a comfortable lead.

 They have a chance to make amends in round sixteen when they are away to bottom side North Ballarat while Werribee play Collingwood in an AFL curtain raiser at Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

For full match details click here for VFL website