FORMER Hawthorn premiership coach Allan Jeans had the theory that teams that generally finish games off with a swag of goals will start off well in the following week's match.
The theory proved correct in Werribee's barnstorming start to its match against Sandringham at Bartercard Oval on Sunday with a five goals to none season-defining first term to help clinch a thrilling six-point win against the Zebras, a former VFL powerhouse, 13.15 (93) to 13.9 (87).
Even with the star inclusions for the Zebras - Jeff White and Adem Yze - Sandringham's lacklustre start proved costly despite a brave comeback in the second term.
Signalling a massive statement to the league, Werribee and Sandringham are now equal on points with a record of 6-6 as the Tigers creep up to a season-high seventh place.
"That's the best quarter of football that we've played,'' coach Simon Atkins said.
"Not only because we kicked all those goals, but our harassment, our intensity at the opposition, our indicators were really good. I think we had something like 22 tackles in the first quarter.
"The real important factor was that we were able to get a win with a win. For us to win a close one I thought was good.''
The Tigers' confidence has bubbled towards boiling point with Ben Davies having an all-conquering season in the midfield with another 37 disposals; Ben Ross was dashing with 28 disposals with some flashes of brilliance; and Leigh Brown delivered three majors and headed up the ground as a dominant leading option.
Todd Goldstein had his best game in Tiger colours with a superb match, lifting against White and helping his young apprentice Andrew Banjanin in his debut VFL match.
"It's fantastic for a young kid to ruck against a 250-game AFL footballer. He just said to me that he can't believe how quick it was,'' Atkins said.
"That's the other thing about our blokes that we're bringing in. We are in a development year. You can play kids just for the sake of it, but I expect Banjanin to improve next week.''
James Podsiadly kicked two goals for the Tigers.
Atkins said he would flirt with Podsiadly's versatility in the run to the finals.
Finals are on the agenda for the Tigers, particularly if they can upset the Cats this Sunday at home.
"They [Geelong] beat us by 50 points, we've got to take something out of that. But it's such an important week for the footy club. Four weeks and four home games.''
The Tigers were on fire early on Sunday with early goals to former Falcons Flinn Chisholm and Jackson Sheringham.
Even running defender Teghan Henderson drifted up forward to slot one.
With a 32-point lead at the first change, Henderson scored his second minutes into the second term before Cale Morton slotted the Zebras' first of the day.
Podsiadly took a strong grab against two opponents and kicked his first major.
Ezra Poyas' goal at the 11-minute mark was the start of five consecutive Zebra goals to be within 10 points at the main break.
The third term was a titanic arm wrestle, with the Zebras' Nick Sautner passing it to Michael Newton in the square to kick the opener.
Sautner kicked four for the day, and played a leading hand in at least two others in the third term.
Goals to Davies and Rob McMahon kept the Tigers in front by eight points at the last change.
Leigh Brown slotted the first of the final term before Sautner kept the door ajar. But that was slammed shut when Jarrod Young kicked a blinder from the boundary line.
Next round: (with Brent Diamond's tips)
PORT MELBOURNE v Bendigo Bombers
NORTH BALLARAT v Sandringham
WERRIBEE v Geelong
Tasmania v NORTHERN BULLANTS
Box Hill Hawks v COBURG TIGERS
WILLIAMSTOWN v Casey Scorpions
COLLINGWOOD v Frankston
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