Williamstown continued their fine start to the VFL season with a big win over Collingwood last Saturday at Burbank Oval.
Undefeated sides Williamstown and Collingwood met in bright sunny conditions at Burbank Oval. Williamstown made three changes from its side that defeated Werribee in Round 1. Dean Galea returned from suspension, Brennan Stack returned from injury and young Western Bulldogs draftee Sam Reid was promoted from the reserves. Out of the side went the injured Liam Picken, suspended Cameron Lockwood and Jarrod Harbrow was promoted to the Bulldogs senior side.
1st Quarter
Williamstown started brilliantly with Bulldog’s Peter Street continuing his fine form and Wayde Skipper kicked the opening goal. Jason Cloke was a dominant player in the midfield and David Stretton was providing plenty of drive from his wing. Collingwood looked dangerous as Chris Dawes, Tim Walsh and Ryan Cook kicked goals. Patrick Rose snapped a fine goal and although inaccurate kicking for goal was proving costly, Williamstown led by nine points at quarter time.
¼ Time: Williamstown 4.6.30 Collingwood 3.3.21
2nd Quarter
The second quarter proved to be a shootout with both sides kicking seven goals. On two occasions Williamstown opened up a 26 point lead only for Collingwood to respond with goals from Walsh, Nigel Carmody, Daniel Nicholls and Brodie Holland. Williamstown’s multi pronged attack of Callum Urch, Galea, Skipper and Bulldog Jarrad Grant with crumbers Rose, Nathan Lyons and Ben Jolley continued to put the Magpie defence under pressure. James Beaumont was continuing his fine form and took a great mark and then converted with a goal.
½ Time: Williamstown 11.7.73 Collingwood 10.5.65
3rd Quarter
Williamstown opened the third quarter in attacking mode with Brett Johnson, Bulldog’s Guy O’Keefe and Callan Ward dominating the midfield. In defence Adam Cook, Scott Meyer and Bulldog’s Paul O’Shea and Stephen Tiller were providing plenty of rebound. Collingwood responded with Shane McDonald kicking consecutive goals but the Seagulls seemed to be strengthening their grip on the game with goals to Rose and Galea before the last break.
Williamstown was very conscious that Collingwood overran Port Melbourne in the final quarter in Round 1 and Brad Gotch implored his players to stand and deliver in the final quarter. The final 30 minutes saw Williamstown completely dominate the game and responded by kicking nine goals to one to run out winners by 68 points.
Final scores: Williamstown 25.12 (162) Collingwood 14.10 (94)
Best Players: Johnson, Cloke, Rose, Galea, O’Keefe, Stretton
Reserves Wrap
Round 1 of the Reserves Competition saw Williamstown with a bye and as a result Williamstown played Box Hill in a Practice Match.
Williamstown 3.3 6.4 12.7 17.13 (115)
Box Hill 2.2 4.4 5.4 8.6 (54)
Goalkickers: Dickson 3, Boyd 2, Boumann 2, Graham 2, White 1, Black 1, Young 1, Cartelli 1, Knight 1, Miller 1, Clark 1, Jenkins 1
Best Players: Lockwood, White, Young, Dickson, Cravino, Black
Coming up
Next Saturday Williamstown plays traditional rival Port Melbourne in Round 3 at home. The Reserves game begins at 11.00am and the Seniors at 2.00pm.
Barry Round Tribute President's Luncheon
Barry Round is moving to Queensland to live and this weekend’s match against the Borough will be Barry's last home match before he goes interstate. Make sure you get along on Saturday and celebrate the outstanding contribution Big Bazza has made for the Seagulls and VFL/VFA football. The Presidents Luncheon on the day will feature testimonials.
Dog Day Afternoon
Bring your pet dog along to the footy! - This Saturday we also encourage everyone to bring along their pet dog to the football and enjoy our Dog Day Afternoon. Each dog owner will receive a FREE showbag upon entry and there will be Pet Products and Food to purchase on the day thanks to All 4 Pets - Ivanhoe, Moorabbin and Sandown.
Saturday 12th April, 2.00pm vs. Port Melbourne
Where: Burbank Oval, Williamstown When: Saturday 12th April
11.10am: Reserves: Williamstown v Port Melbourne
2.00pm: Seniors: Williamstown v Port Melbourne
Entry: Adult $10/Conc $5. Kids under 15 are FREE
Members: Memberships are available on the day: $60 ($35 conc.) gives you FREE admission to all Williamstown home games and 1/2 price to away games ($5).
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