From www.localfooty.com.au
Reported by Luke D'Anello
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WERRIBEE'S bevy of tall forwards delayed Nathan Ablett's debut in the VFL team.
But on Saturday it was the Geelong premiership player who stood tallest, booting four goals in a best-afield display as the Tigers smashed top four co-tenant Casey Scorpions by 78 points Avalon Airport Oval.
In just his third senior game, Ablett rediscovered his mojo to lead Werribee to a thumping 20.13 (133) to 8.7 (55) win.
The 26-year-old landed at the club in January and played four games in the Tigers' Development League side before earning a call-up to the senior side.
North Melbourne-listed Cameron Pedersen, Ben Warren, Ben McKinley, Lachlan Hansen and Robert Tarrant have all suited up for the Tigers this season, giving them an embarrassment of riches in the forward 50m arc.
But Ablett appears to be a key piece of the puzzle as Werribee looks to add a second premiership to its trophy cabinet.
"You know when he gets it within 35m, 40m, 45m, he's a deadly kick. He's terrific," Tigers coach Scott West said of Ablett.
"More than that, he provided decoy leads, he got out into space and contested in the air. His hands were terrific to provide opportunities for other guys."
"You've got to remember, he hasn't played with Pedersen, McKinley, Warren and all these guys ever before, so they're just starting to build a relationship as well."
"He tends to be able to create something out of nothing. Hopefully he harbours ambitions to (return to AFL), but he knows playing his role here and doing it well is part of the deal."
While the second-placed Scorpions fielded a below-strength line-up, Werribee was missing skipper Robbie Castello and midfielders Travis Tuck and Will Martinello.
The win was the Tigers' sixth from their past seven outings and they sit in third spot at 8-4.
West said he was pleased with the way his players responded after the previous week's loss against Bendigo.
"I think you judge your group by how they react the next week. Last week was one of those unfortunate days and you get a true reflection on where we're at probably the next week," West said.
"We dealt with it on the Tuesday and moved on pretty quick."
The Tigers will meet North East Australian Football League outfit Morningside in the Foxtel Cup semi-finals on Saturday at the Gabba.
