Williamstown has recorded a convincing 87 point victory against arch rivals Port Melbourne at North Port Oval on Saturday. The win sees the Seagulls through to a Preliminary Final against the reigning premiers and flag favourites Geelong next week.

It was a complete performance from the Seagulls, who responded to their disappointing loss to Box Hill the week before. Right from the outset it was obvious that the visiting team had come to play with relentless attack on the football forcing the home side on the back foot.

Early goals to Patrick Veszpremi, Jason Tutt and Kirby McConnon got the Seagulls off to the perfect start as they kicked with a slight breeze in the first quarter.

It was Willliamstown’s speed on the outside of the contest that was causing Port Melbourne headaches with Anthony Anastasio and Daniel Pearce also getting amongst the goals in the first quarter.

The second quarter would prove just how much of an advantage the wind was with the Seagulls seemingly able to attack into the breeze whilst also restricting Port Melbourne’s inside 50 entries.

Mark Austin held Dean Galea to just three possessions for the day and was well supported in the back half by Jack Charleston, Jamie McNamara, Lukas Markovic and Leigh Masters all day.

Despite missing some opportunities in front of goal, majors to Ben Casley and Jason Tutt extended the margin to 50 points at the main change.

The third quarter saw tensions level rise further as Port Melbourne was trying everything to get back in the game, a late hit on Brent Prismall saw a series of spot fires break out but it was the Seagulls who remained focus on the football and piled on the first six goals of the quarter to seal a spot next week.

It was Anthony Anastasio who had the crowd roaring, kicking one of the goals of the year hemmed in on the boundary line between three defenders. It would be one of 12 Williamstown goals for the quarter as the midfield contingent of Wheeler, McNamara, Carr, McCallum, Jolley and Lockwood stamped their dominance on the contest.

With the margin stretching out to as much as 110 points at some points the Seagulls could afford to take their foot off the pedal as they put one eye on the following week’s clash with Geelong. Some late Port Melbourne goals restricted the scoreboard damage and kept the margin under the triple figure mark but the damage had been done in a relentless first half.

Jack Johnstone, playing as the 23rd player, was named best on ground as he restricted the output of opposition midfielder Chris Cain whilst also winning 23 possessions himself. He wasn’t on his own though with every Seagull player walking off with their heads high after the match.

Williamstown         27.14  (176)?
Port Melbourne     14.5    (89)
 
Goal Kickers: J. Tutt 5, P. Veszpremi 4, A. Anastasio 3, B. Casley 3, E. Carr 2, F. Roberts 2, J. McNamara , W. Wheeler , S. McCallum, C. Lockwood , K. McConnon , T. Campbell , D. Pearce , C. Wood

Best Players: J. Johnstone, W. Wheeler, B. Jolley, J. Tutt, C. Lockwood, C. Wood
 
 
Development Report:
The Williamstown Development Side capped off a great day for the Club by winning their way through to a Grand Final after defeating Port Melbourne by 96-points.

The effort and commitment of the Development side matched the Seniors as the boys dominated the contest from start to finish.

Dylan Conway was amongst the goals with four, while Sean Hetherington and Anton Woods led the way with their attack on the ball and run from the contest.

The young Seagulls will now face Box Hill in the Development Grand Final next Saturday at North Port Oval at 11:00am.

Williamstown         22.12.    (144)?
Port Melbourne      6.12.       (48)

Goal Kickers: D. Conway 4, J. Polizzi 3, A. Woods 3, B. Symes 2, R. Ball 2, S. Deery , D. Hoghton , S. Witkowski , C. Burgess , S. Hetherington , C. Nastasi , J. Flack , J. Mead

Best Players: S. Hetherington, A. Woods, S. Witkowski, S. Deery, J. Bench, D. Hoghton