Athletic tall Tuth Jok says confidence is what helped Essendon VFL overcome Werribee in its cut-throat semi-final at the weekend. 

The Tigers hit the front at the start of the last quarter, before Jok dribbled a late goal home to give the VFL Dons a three-point lead in the dying minutes. 

The first-year Bomber said the group drew on last weekend’s heart-breaking qualifying-final loss and just remained confident. 

“Having played last week in those conditions where Richmond had a surge on us, I think we were very confident (today) and just knew what we needed to do,” Jok said. 

“We spoke a lot about that during the week, so it was just a matter of executing it and I think we finally did that which was good.

“Even though Werribee surged, the boys were confident and expected that was coming, so we just waited for our opportunity.” 

Jok said the Bombers knew a four-quarter effort was required, as they only held a two-goal lead at the final break. 

“The main message (at three-quarter time) was that we needed to continue to play our way, not to get too overawed if they get a jump on us.

“(Coach Dan Jordan) also alluded a bit to last weekend as well, so it was really nothing new but just a matter of executing the four quarters.”

Jok was welcomed back to the side after his round 23 AFL debut, and was one of eight individual goalkickers in Sunday’s semi-final.

The even spread of contributors highlighted the VFL Dons’ team-first mentality and trust in one another. 

“We’re a very selfless team – the group here is very tight,” he said. 

“It doesn’t matter who kicks those goals, it’s just as long as we get the win.”

Jok was selected with pick No.8 in the 2018 rookie draft, following an impressive season with Collingwood VFL. 

While he featured in the Magpies’ elimination final loss to Essendon last season and now has two VFL finals under his belt, he said he couldn’t wait for Sunday’s preliminary final. 

“It’s a prelim, so you’ve got to be excited for that. It’s a chance to get into a Grand Final. No matter the opposition, we’ll just play (our footy) and try and make it.” 

Essendon will face Williamstown from 2:10pm on Sunday, September 15 at Adcon Stadium (North Port Oval), with the winner to meet either Richmond or Port Melbourne in the Grand Final on September 22. 

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