Williamstown are eyeing an eighth consecutive victory as they look to knock off minor premiers Casey Scorpions in Saturday’s VFL semi final.
 
Withstanding Bendigo Gold’s fourth quarter fight back in last weekend’s elimination final, the Seagulls will be eager to gain the lead at Casey Fields tomorrow against a favoured Scorpions outfit, according to Western Bulldogs Development Coach Chris Maple.
 
“I think they were a bit slow to start last week. Any game of football and particularly a final, any start is crucial,” Maple said.

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“I am sure the Williamstown boys will be looking to jump out of the blocks early and get the lead if they can.
 
“The Bendigo Bombers came back hard in the last quarter and they withstood their challenge so that was quite impressive.”
 
Williamstown not converting scoring chances inside 50m kept Bendigo within striking distance last weekend, and Maple believes the Seagulls will be keen to improve on the 11 goals and 17 behinds tally against Melbourne’s VFL-affiliate Casey.
 
“Finals footy is a lot more one on one style of football, so the team that can apply the most pressure and the team that can withstand it the most will probably come out on top and ball use is crucial,” Maple said.
 
“It is one thing to win the footy but it is another thing to use it effectively and we’ve seen large amounts of inside 50’s at different times and maybe not the conversion that is required.
 
“It will be important that that statistic is high.”

Read the match report from Williamstown vs Bendigo Gold's elimination final last Saturday.
 
Casey enter Saturday’s season defining showdown having lost three of their past five matches, including an 18-point defeat in last Sunday’s qualifying final against Werribee in what ultimately was a low scoring affair.
 
To the contrary, Williamstown have entered September as one of the VFL’s in-form sides and will be keen to add another scalp to their growing tally.
 
“It will be an interesting game, Casey at Casey - they get a home ground advantage so Williamstown will have to be right on top of their game to really serve it up to the Casey Scorpions this week,” Maple said. 

View the team announcement for this Saturday's semi final clash between Williamstown and Casey Scorpions.