Geelong have held off a fast-finishing Williamstown at the weekend, with the reigning premiers hanging on to claim a 12.16 (88) to 11.14 (80) victory in front of a packed crowd at Torquay.
Williamstown found themselves trailing by 23 points at the final change, however, a strong comeback during a frantic final 15 minutes saw them boot four quick goals to almost snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
The Easter Sunday season opener had a terrific, contested start to the match, with both teams feeling each other out for most of the first quarter with plenty of strong tackles and acts of desperation from both sides.
However, it wasn’t until the 20-minute mark of the first quarter that the game had its first goal, coming from the boot of new Williamstown recruit, Brent Prismall
The Seagulls led by five points at quarter time, but it would be the last time they would lead at a quarter break for the rest of the match.
Despite the best defensive efforts of Lukas Markovic and Michael Talia, who were solid all day, Geelong took control of the game during the second and third quarters to take a stranglehold on the match, making it very difficult for a Williamstown fight back.
Williamstown were able to kick several consecutive goals in the last term thanks to Justin Sherman, Jack Redpath and Patrick Veszpremi, but the damage had already been done by Geelong earlier to give the reigning premiers their first four points of the season.
One shining light for Williamstown was the form of new recruit Willie Wheeler, who was able to consistently find the ball through the midfield and across the half-forward line throughout the game. He, along with captain Ben Jolley, were major catalysts in not only keeping the Seagulls in the match, but also aiding the side in their comeback efforts as the Williamstown midfield began to get on top in the latter stages of the game.
Jamie McNamara also continued his strong pre-season form, racking up plenty of dispoals while teenager Jackson MacRae also impressed those in attendance with his ball use and creativity when in possession.
Williamstown must now regroup for their Round 2 clash with Coburg in a fortnight’s time, while the Seagulls’ development team will take to the field for the first time this season, when they take on North Ballarat at Victoria Park this Saturday.
Geelong 12.16 (88) defeat Williamstown 11.14 (80)
WILLIAMSTOWN
Goal Kickers: J. Redpath 2, J. Sherman 2, P. Veszpremi , B. Prismall , L. Williams , C. Nastasi , J. Stringer , M. Austin , W. Wheeler
Best Players: W. Wheeler, M. Talia, L. Markovic, B. Jolley, J. MacRae, J. McNamara
