A 13-goal first half has propelled Williamstown to victory over the Box Hill Hawks, defeating last week’s ladder leaders by 25 points.
The 16.15 (111) to 13.8 (86) victory was the third in a row for the Seagulls, who now find themselves in third position on the VFL ladder, just one game shy of first and second place.
It was a tale of two halves for Williamstown, who booted seven and six goals in the first and second terms respectively, to build a solid 35-point lead at the half-time break.
From then on it was a much tighter contest, with both teams struggling to find the space and run that they had been given in the first half.
The Hawks looked like they were working their way back into the match during the third quarter through some strong defensive pressure around the ground, but a ten minute purple patch late in the term saw the Seagulls boot three unanswered goals to steady the ship heading into the final change.
Those three goals turned out to be vitally important to the win, as Williamstown weren’t able to register a score in the final term.
Midfielders Daniel Cross and Brent Prismall were two of the better players on the ground, winning their fair share of ball both inside and outside the contest, to drive a number of the Seagulls’ attacks.
Up forward Williamstown got a great lift from the work of Dylan Addison (four goals), Lukas Markovic (three goals) and Jarrad Grant (two goals), who formed a dangerous partnership during the first half onslaught.
With the club facing its last bye of the year this week, it will give the players a final chance to rest and recuperate before making an assault on the run home to the end of the year.
Box Hill Hawks 3.1 8.3 10.4 13.8 (86)
Williamstown 7.6 13.8 16.15 16.15 (111)
GOALS: Addison 4 Markovic 3 Grant 2 Campbell Prismall Bench Carr Young Tutt McConnon
BEST: Jolley Cross Prismall Tutt Wood Addison
Development Report
The development side also recorded an impressive victory, defeating the top of the ladder Box Hill Hawks by 45 points.
The Seagulls led the entire day en route to the 18.9 (117) to 10.12 (72) victory and now move to just two premiership points off top spot on the development league ladder.
While Williamstown were able to kick a winning score, it was their defence that became the catalyst in the win.
Sam Critchley, Dale Hoghton and Ben Casley were all able to constantly negate their opponents and rebound with accuracy from defensive 50, while Alex Greenwood and Michael Stockdale both found plenty of the ball and used it well throughout the day.
Williamstown were once again buoyed by having a good spread of goal kickers, with five players kicking multiple goals. Anthony Anastasio was the most dangerous of the lot, booting three goals and breaking the lines through the middle to set up many more.
The Development side also has the bye this week.
Box Hill Hawks 2.2 3.6 6.10 10.12 (72)
Williamstown 6.2 8.6 9.7 18.9 (117)
GOALS: Polizzi 4 Anastasio 3 Roberts 3 Veszpremi 2 Conway 2 Hetherington Deery Stockdale Mead
BEST: Greenwood Anastasio Stockdale Hoghton Critchley Casley
