Andrew Hooper will make his first finals appearance this season when Williamstown take on the formidable reigning premiers Port Melbourne in Saturday’s Preliminary Final at North Port Oval.
Port Melbourne will approach the match with fresh legs, following a week’s respite after knocking off Geelong in the qualifying final, while Williamstown progress through the finals one of the in-form teams, winning their past eight consecutive games.
Last time Williamstown faced the Borough they took away the four points and have not dropped a game since.
Lining up for the third Grand Final rematch this season, Saturday’s game will be a true make or break clash according to Williamstown Senior Coach Peter German.
“It is going to be a clash of traditional rivals and we have been able to build some good momentum coming up to this game,” German said.
“We certainly know it is going to be a tough, physical game and one that we are really looking forward to.
“My confidence is going to be geared around the players attack in the game like they have had over the last eight weeks and if we can play with the same intent, I am confident we will put ourselves in a position to challenge Port.”
The 2012 listed Bulldog Hooper will replace Patrick Veszpremi in the side that defeated Casey Scorpions by 37-points last weekend.
Bulldogs listed Matt Panos, Tom Hill and Fletcher Roberts were instrumental across the forward line in last weekend’s semi final, despite conditions that did not favour key forwards.
Brodie Moles was also solid playing across the wing and in the Seagulls defensive line, while Alex Greenwood continued to impress in and around the stoppages.
Michael Talia was steady in defence after playing out the home and away season in the senior Western Bulldogs side.
PRELIMINARY FINAL
WILLIAMSTOWN V PORT MELBOURNE
SATURDAY THE 15TH OF SEPTEMBER
NORTH PORT OVAL, PORT MELBOURNE
2:10PM - ABC TV GAME
B: LOCKWOOD FROST CHARLESTON
HB: GOODES TALIA WITKOWSKI
C: MCHARG CARR MCNAMARA
HF: MOLES PANOS WOODS
F: WYATT HILL ROBERTS
R: WALL JOLLEY MCCALLUM
I: HOOPER CRAVINO HOGHTON
SING ANASTASIO BUGEJA
GREENWOOD CONWAY GEORGIADIS
