Williamstown will be out to continue their impressive start to the VFL season when they take on Collingwood this Saturday at Burbank Oval.
After a comprehensive 56-point victory over Werribee in the opening round of the season and with the Pies also winning their first game, Coach Brad Gotch is preparing for a tough encounter.
“Collingwood have a good blend of younger and older players with some having played senior footy, so I’m expecting a tight, physical game. We have a good mix too, Brett Johnson and Ben Jolley were outstanding against Werribee and set the standard for the rest of the team,” Gotch said.
“Collingwood over ran Port Melbourne last week in the final quarter, kicking four goals to one and I think that had a bit to do with the AFL experience they had in the team. That’s something we will have to be mentally ready for this weekend.
Our forward line enjoyed the rewards of some good work by our mid fielders last week and hopefully that can continue. Jarrad Grant and Callum Urch kicked nine goals between them and with other crumbing players like Guy O’Keefe and Callan Ward up there we have a pretty potent attack.”
The game will hold special significance for Gotch, who worked with Collingwood last year as part of their VFL set up with Williamstown.
“I think 12 players from their (Collingwood) team last week were part of the losing preliminary final side for Williamstown in 2007 so I guess that helps a little bit with my preparation for this game. But I will concentrate more on what Williamstown can do and plan to get the right result on the board,” he said.
He also implored Williamstown supporters to get to the club’s first home game of the season on Saturday and support his VFL side.
“The players are looking forward to playing their first home game since the new alignment began. There will be a great mix of Williamstown and Western Bulldogs players in action, so it would be great to get as much support in our own backyard as possible.”
The senior Bulldogs playing group will also be at Burbank Oval on Saturday to support their fellow team mates. Supporters will have the opportunity to meet the players and get their autographs throughout the day.
Western Bulldogs members wanting to attend will be granted entry to the ground upon presentation of their 2008 membership card.
