Williamstown overpowered the Footscray Bulldogs at Burbank Oval on Saturday afternon, with the home team claiming a 79-point victory in windy conditions.
Footscray’s defence had no answers for Williamstown, with the Seagulls kicking 16 goals in blustery Bayside conditions.
In a stoppage heavy contest, the seasoned Seagulls handled the conditions the best, utilising their kicking game to take territory, particularly with the wind at the their back.
Nick Jamieson and Declan Hamilton were the Dog’s only goal scorers, also accumulating 25 and 22 disposals respectively.
Will Hayes was the leading disposal winner with 29 touches, as well as six tackles.
Lukas Webb and Matthew Boyd did not run out for the ‘Scray after being named in their original line-up on Thursday.
Webb was called up to the AFL line-up earlier in the day for Sunday’s clash against Essendon to replace Mitch Honeychurch (withdrawn), while Boyd was added to the AFL squad as an emergency. As a result, the 'Scray fielded just seven AFL-listed players
Williamstown got the advantage early kicking the first two goals of the day against the wind. Despite kicking to the scoring end, Footscray struggled to control the ball as Williamstown shutdown the ‘Scray’s outside game.
The Scray had repeat scoring opportunities approaching quarter time, but were unable to convert.
It was a similar story in the second term with Williamstown kicking the first two majors. Footscray’s Nick Jamieson converted on a well needed goal for the Dog’s late in the term, but this was followed by a quick reply from Williamstown.
A late goal by the Seagulls hurt the Dogs, making it a four goal to one term and a 27 point margin at the main break.
With limited scoring opportunities in the second half, Williamstown dominated proceedings, wrestling away control of the game from the visitors.
It took until the final term against the breeze for Footscray to slot their second major of the contest through Declan Hamilton.
Footscray will look to get back on the winners list next week when they face the Northern Blues at Ikon Park on Saturday from 11.00am.
Footscray Bulldogs 0.6 (6) 1.6 (12) 1.10 (16) 2.11 (23)
Williamstown Seagulls 2.0 (12) 6.3 (39) 9.5 (59) 16.6 (102)
Goalkickers: D. Hamilton, N. Jamieson
Best Players: J. Prudden, B. Gowers, W. Hayes, D. Hamilton, L. Dalgleish, N. De Steiger
Disposals: W. Hayes 29, Jamieson 25, D. Hamilton 22, B. Gowers 20, A. Tashevski-Beckwith 20, A. Greenwood 17, A. Barry 17
