A goalless final term has seen Williamstown fall to the Box Hill Hawks by 30-points on Saturday, in the opening round of the 2013 VFL Finals series.
After a tightly contested opening three quarters, Box Hill kept the Seagulls goalless in the final term to record a 13.8 (86) to 7.14 (56) victory to move directly into the preliminary final.
The loss now sets up a do-or-die semi-final clash against arch rivals Port Melbourne at Port Melbourne this Saturday, as Williamstown will look to extract some revenge on the Borough who defeated them on both occasions earlier this year.
The Seagulls held an eight-point lead at quarter time after a goal-for-goal opening term, which saw both teams take their time to settle and adjust to the added intensity of finals football.
The second quarter continued in much the same vain, although Williamstown were able to get on top early in the term, Box Hill were able to strong together multiple goals in the latter stages of the quarter to hold a nine-point lead at the half.
While the third term was largely a stalemate, the fourth quarter ultimately decided the Seagulls fate, trailing by three points at the final change.
Williamstown dominated the play early, going inside 50 on multiple occasions and threatening to break the game open, but a staunch Box Hill consistently thwarted any Seagulls attack.
The Hawks ability to capitalise and hurt the Seagulls on the rebound eventually led them to a 30-point victory.
The Seagulls back half was again a shining light for the side, with Michael Talia, Jamie McNamara and Jack Charleston all beating their direct opponents defensively but also attacking with poise from the back flank.
Williamstown’s development league side will get their first taste of finals action in season 2013 on Saturday, where they will also face Port Melbourne as a curtain raiser to the main game.
Final Score
Box Hill: 13.8 (86) def. Williamstown: 7.14 (56)
Goal Kickers: D. Addison 2, J. Johnstone , B. Casley , P. Veszpremi , W. Wheeler , A. Anastasio
Best Players: M. Talia, J. Johnstone, J. Charleston, B. Jolley, C. Wood, J. McNamara
