A fast-finishing Williamstown has recorded their second consecutive win against good opposition over the weekend, defeating the Northern Blues by 32 points at VISY Park on Saturday.
The Seagulls’ 12.12 (84) to 7.10 (52) win sees them climb back into the top four on the VFL ladder, but they were made to work for it with neither side giving an inch up to three-quarter time.
It was an important result for Williamstown, making it just their second victory away from home for the year, with away clashes against Box Hill, Sandringham and Port Melbourne coming up over the next three matches.
Tory Dickson and midfielder Willie Wheeler were both amongst the goals, finishing with four and three goals respectively.
Bulldogs’ midfielder Mitch Wallis also shone for the Seagulls, winning plenty of ball and using it efficiently in a match that featured a lot of end-to-end play.
Williamstown got a massive lift from Ed Carr and Brent Prismall who worked tirelessly around the stoppages throughout the match and were keys in the Seagulls’ six-goal final term.
The six-goal final term was made even more impressive by the fact that up to three-quarter time, Williamstown had only managed six goals in total.
The fourth quarter onslaught was largely due to the Seagulls being able to remain consistent with their intensity and effort that they had shown across the match, which was finally able to break the Blues.
Williamstown’s defenders again proved vitally important, holding their own in contests that often featured much taller opponents.
The matches don’t get any easier for the Seagulls, who now travel to Box Hill to face the 1st-placed Hawks on Sunday.
Final Score
Williamstown 12.12 (84) def. Northern Blues 7.10 (52)
Goal Kickers: T. Dickson 4, W. Wheeler 3, J. Tutt , J. Grant , A. Cordy , T. Campbell , E. Carr
Best Players: M. Wallis, T. Dickson, W. Wheeler, N. Sing, B. Prismall, L. Masters
Development Report
In the Development League, Williamstown recorded an impressive 50-point win over the third place Northern Blues, setting up a massive encounter against Box Hill this week which will decide top position on the ladder.
An inaccurate Williamstown were able to eventually shake off the Blues in the fourth quarter much like their senior counterparts, kicking five goals to one en route to a 12.14 (86) to 5.6 (36) victory.
Michael Stockdale was best on ground, thriving in the match with his in and under style of play, while Alex Greenwood and Jack Dorgan provided great run and carry through the midfield and across half-back to constantly drive the Seagulls forward.
The Seagulls are now 8-2 after ten rounds, with their two losses coming in at a combined margin of five points, which sets the scene for a huge top of the table clash against Box Hill on Sunday.
