Tara Murray

Werribee’s next generation is leading the attack, with defender Jesse Clark aiming for its first Victorian Football League championship since 1993.

After losing a large portion of last year’s finals team, including some of the best players the club has ever had, the Tigers have still been able to rebuild over time.

The club secured its first minor league championship since 2005 and will play two home finals on its way to a possible major final.

Clark, who was part of last year’s finals team, said it was exciting to have the chance to go deep in the finals again.

He said last year’s experiences had served the club well.

“There’s a really good atmosphere in the group at the moment and the boys are really keen to try again this year,” he said. “I think football finals always give a motivating feeling and create a certain excitement.”

“But I think it feels a little different than last year because I feel like we’ve gotten better this time around with the experience.

“For many of us last year was our first final in senior football. That was the case for me too. I think this year we go into the finals with a bit more experience and the awareness that it is just another game.

“Very exciting times.”

While many thought the Tigers might slack off after the departure of some key members of the group, Clark said he felt they could build on last year.

He said that during the season break there had been a lot of talk about the departure of some club legends and the high turnover in the coaching area.

“It was pretty unclear what it was going to look like this season,” he said. “I think the club has done a really good job of getting Jimmy Allan and some of the other assistants into their role as coaches.

“The new employees we hired have had a big impact. They have all been very flexible and adaptable to the company culture of the last few years.

“It was no surprise to me that we had another good season. I think the core group of players who have been here for a long time, Dom Brew, Nick Coughlan, Louis Pinnuck and Jack Henderson, have set us up really well.”

“I am definitely proud of what the boys have achieved so far.”

Clark was able to build on his performances from last year this season.

Due to Covid and injuries, he had only played 13 games by the start of 2023. Last season he developed into a mainstay of the team.

“Last season I was pretty happy to be back playing in a final season and a finals series,” he said. “Honestly, it was great considering I tore my anterior cruciate ligament and had a knee reconstruction the season before.”

“For me last year was just about being happy, being out there and playing with my buddies.

“The loss in the final made me really hungry. This year I’ve focused more on developing my role and trying to have a bit more influence.

“As I am also part of the leadership group, I have looked to other leaders to further develop my skills.”

Clark said being promoted to the leadership group this season has been really exciting and he is honoured to be in this role.

He said that the leaders who were already at the club had taught him a lot and that it had been a great opportunity to learn as much as possible.

Clark has had to use his leadership qualities especially in the final stages of the season when injuries occurred in the defensive line.

He said there was a “next step” mentality.

“It was definitely quite a bloodbath for the whole group in the second half of the year, especially the back row,” he said. “We seem to have suffered a few injuries.”

“I think the guys who stepped in to fill the injured spots really made a good impression. Sam Azzi stepped in as a key defender, played his role and executed really well.

“A few others had to move into the defensive line and play a role that they are not used to.

“The way we have performed over the last month or two has been really important and has enabled us to win the Minor Premier League.”

Werribee will face Geelong in a qualifying final at Avalon Airport Oval on Saturday at 12pm.

For Clark, who comes from Geelong, it is always a little extra motivation to play against the team from his hometown.

Clark said it was exciting to play in front of a home crowd at the Avalon Airport Oval.

“Similar to last year, we have two guaranteed home finals, which is really good,” he said.

“We feel like we play well anywhere but it’s nice to have the added comfort of being at home and having the loyal Werribee fans there. They’re always great at giving us that extra support and encouragement.”