Williamstown ventured up the highway to play the Bendigo Bombers who had won their previous home game against Frankston last week. Williamstown made four changes to the side that defeated Sandringham. Western Bulldog Malcolm Lynch, Adam Cook and Kane McKenzie were promoted from the reserves and Bulldog Jarrad Grant returned from injury.

Out of the side went Tom Williams who was promoted to the Bulldogs senior team. Wayde Skipper also travelled to Perth while Callum Urch and Cameron Lockwood were dropped to the reserves. Although it rained consistently on the Saturday, conditions on Sunday were very good with the ground in great condition.
 
First Quarter
The early play saw both backlines on top with plenty of pressure being applied by both sides. Bulldogs ruckman Peter Street was on top with his extra reach dominating the tap outs with onballers Brett Johnson, Ben Jolley, Jarrod Harbrow and Guy O’Keefe feasting on his dominance. Williamstown kicked the first goal of the game through Liam Picken and then Ben Jolley added another. David Stretton and Jason Cloke were other dominant players on the ground
               
Williamstown 2.4 (16)  Bendigo 1.1 (7)
 
Second Quarter
The game begun to open up in the second quarter as Grant marked and goaled before Bulldog team mate Farren Ray kicked consecutive goals within a minute. When David Stretton goaled after a 50 metre penalty Williamstown had opened up a four goal lead. An errant Steven Greene kick-in resulted in a Bendigo goal and their experienced midfielders Jason Johnson, Hayden Skipworth and Ricky Dyson lifted as Bendigo closed the lead to one goal. On the siren Lynch kicked a goal off the ground to re-establish a two goal lead at half time.
               
Williamstown 8.4 (52)  Bendigo 6.4 (40)
 
Third Quarter
Bendigo opened the third quarter with the opening goal and appeared to be playing a confident brand of football. The Seagulls defence was holding up and Scott Meyer, Andrew McDougall, Steven Greene and Bulldogs Brennan Stack were providing good rebound. Street was continuing to dominant at the stoppages as Grant marked strongly and goaled and Guy O’Keefe snapped his second goal. Bendigo rallied again and kicked four consecutive goals to establish a seven-point lead at the 20 minute mark. Williamstown snapped into action with Ben Jolley kicking two goals and O’Keefe another to again lead by 12 points.
 
Williamstown 13.7 (85)  Bendigo 11.7 (73)
 
Fourth Quarter
A thrilling last quarter opened with Bendigo kicking the opening goal which reduced the lead to six points. Liam Picken, Adam Cook, Kane McKenzie and Bulldog youngster Callan Ward lifted and Matthew Little marked and goaled on the run. Williamstown was now dominating central play but hit the post twice from set shots while Jason Cloke missed from 20m after a 50 metre penalty. The floodgates finally opened with O’Keefe kicking two goals; Brett Johnson, Dean Galea and Matthew Little adding one, as Williamstown won convincingly by 37 points to go top of the table.
 
Williamstown 19.13 (127)  Bendigo 13.12 (90)

Williamstown    2.4        8.4       13.7      19.13 (127)
Bendigo                1.1          6.4          11.7        13.12 (90)                            
 
Goals: O’Keefe 5, Jolley 3, Little 2, Ray 2, Grant 2, Galea 1, Picken 1, Lynch 1, Stretton 1, Johnson 1
 
Best Players: Street, Cloke, O’Keefe, Jolley, Ray, Stretton
 
Reserves Wrap
Williamstown Reserves continued their dominant form under Saade Ghazi with a 162-point victory over the winless Bendigo Bombers. Jackson Barling returned for his first game after his hip operation and was his usual tough and bustling best. Bulldog youngster Paul O’Shea kicked seven goals for the visitors.
 
Williamstown    8.2         13.4        20.7        27.15      (176)
Bendigo             0.1        1.2       2.2        2.2       (14)
 
Goals: O’Shea 7, Keddell 4, Cravino 3, Wood 2, Chiu 2, Black 2, Urch 2, Reid 2, Lockwood 1, Young 1, White 1
 
Best Players: Keddell, O’Shea, Reid, Cravino, Langlands, Wood
 
Round 8 v Box Hill 
This Saturday 24th May Williamstown host Box Hill in the ABC TV match of the round at Burbank Oval.
 
Reserves start at 10:20am before the seniors begin at 1.10pm, live on ABC TV.
 
Guest Speaker at this week’s President’s Luncheon is World Vision Australia CEO Reverend Tim Costello with the Luncheon commencing at 11:00am. Williamstown Football Club is going to donate half of the gate receipts to World Vision Australia to assist the survivors of Cyclone Nargis in Burma.