Defending Foxtel Cup champions Williamstown have succumbed to a disappointing 5-point loss to South Adelaide at the MCG on Saturday, knocking them out of the round robin competition.

The first quarter was a scrappy affair with the only goal coming from young Williamstown debutant Anthony Anastasio.

While South Adelaide Panthers were unable to make an impact on the scoreboard their dominance of the inside 50s and defensive pressure did not go unnoticed despite Williamstown’s lead at the first change.

The Panthers continued to pile on the defensive pressure in the second term with a number of turnovers costing Williamstown’s midfield.

In the tight and congested game it became all about yardage and one percenters as the Panthers began to capitalize on the opportunity slotting through three goals and carrying a three point lead into half time.

Williamstown looked to a solid start in the third term with a run and bounce goal from Brodie Moles taking them back into the lead but could not sway the momentum as the Panthers dominated the rest of the quarter.

The 15 point buffer that remained at the end of the third quarter did not represent the Panthers control over the play but placed them in good stead going into the final term.

Taking one last charge Williamstown began the fourth quarter strongly with a terrific running goal from Dale Hoghton keeping them in the game and reducing the margin to 7 points.

The Seagulls battled hard in the final term but a missed opportunity in the final minute resulted in Williamstown going down by 5 points and preventing them from defending their Foxtel Cup title.

WILLIAMSTOWN 1.2 3.2 4.2 6.7 (43)
SOUTH ADELAIDE 0.3 3.5 5.11 6.12 (48)

GOALS
Williamstown: Panos 2, Anastasio, Hoghton, McHarg, Moles

BEST
Williamstown: Smith, Carr, Lockwood, Jong, Anastasio

          - With James Gray-Foster