Williamstown travelled to Hobart’s Bellerive Oval to play Tasmania in Round 16 of the VFL. Williamstown made four changes to the side that had been defeated by the Coburg Tigers. Into the side came Western Bulldogs trio Wayde Skipper, Tom Williams and Tim Callan all returning from injury while Williamstown player Adam Cook returned after a one game suspension. Dean Galea and James Beaumont were omitted.

 

Williamstown opened the game by dominating possession through the midfield. Tasmania were unable to penetrate the strong Seagulls defence which was led by Tom Williams, Bulldog Cameron Wight, Tim Callan, Kane McKenzie and Scott Meyer. Bulldog Peter Street was dominating the ruck duels and providing the Williamstown midfielders with an armchair ride.

Williamstown kicked the opening six goals and were completely dominating until forward Adam Cook was carried from the ground after injuring his ankle after landing awkwardly in a marking contest. Tassie Rover Ben Setchell kicked two late goals to get the Tasmanian side on the scoreboard.

 

¼ Time: Williamstown 6.4 (40)          Tasmania 2.2 (14)

 

 

Williamstown’s dominance continued in the second quarter with key forwards Wayde Skipper, Matthew Little and Jason Cloke dominating. Guy O’Keefe, Callan Ward, Patrick Rose and David Stretton were gathering plenty of possessions.

Tom Williams suffered a slight thigh injury while Shaun Higgins and Easton Wood both came off due to soreness. With no interchange players available to coach Brad Gotch a bigger workload was thrust upon the 18 players fit on the ground. Tasmania was playing unaccountable football and were exerting minimal pressure when they didn’t have the ball.

 

½ Time: Williamstown 12.6 (72)        Tasmania 4.4 (28)

 

If the Seagulls were dominant in the first half, it became more pronounced in the second half. Peter Street was pushed forward to the goal square and kicked 2 goals immediately whilst Wayde Skipper and Tim Callan kept on improving as the game progressed. Ben Jolley, Easton Wood, Sam Reid, Liam Picken and Brett Johnson were controlling the midfield whilst Cam Lockwood was relishing his role up back. Williamstown dominated the quarter by kicking ten goals to one during the term.

 

¾ Time: Williamstown 22.9 (141)      Tasmania 5.5 (35)

 

 

The final quarter followed the same script as the third quarter with Williamstown dominating with Little resistance from Tasmania. David Stretton, Callan Ward and Guy O’Keefe continued their fine form and Matthew Little was the beneficiary of great supply up the ground. Peter Street kicked his fourth goal as did Wayde Skipper after the siren from a strong mark.

 

 Final Scores: Williamstown 31.14 (200)        Tasmania 7.7 (49)

 

Goalkickers: Little 6, Rose 4, Skipper 4, Street 4, Ward 3, Picken 2, Reid 2, Jolley 1, Johnson 1, Reid 1, O’Keefe 1, Cloke 1, Williams 1

 

Best Players: Rose, Ward, Stretton, O’Keefe, Cloke, Street

 

Williamstown Reserves had a bye this round and remain second on the ladder behind the undefeated Coburg.

 

 Next week in Round 17 Williamstown plays Port Melbourne in the ABC TV match of the round on Saturday August 9^th commencing at 1:10pm at Port Melbourne.

 

Both clubs sit second and third on the ladder and this clash will be a pivotal game in deciding the final positions on the ladder. This round also sees top side North Ballarat play the fourth placed Casey Scorpions. Port Melbourne are undefeated in their 7 home games this season and under the caching of Gary Ayres have won 9 of their last 10 games and boast the most experienced side in the VFL competition.