A thrilling comeback in the final term has seen Williamstown salvage 2 points and come away with a draw against Frankston on Sunday.
Coming from a very vulnerable position more than 40 points down early in the final quarter, Williamstown rallied to level the scores with a mere minute left until the final siren.
Despite the strong final quarter surge, neither side was able to muster a scoring opportunity in the final minute with the final score ending with a draw.
Frankston came out of the blocks the better of the two sides to lead by 2 goals at the first change, making use of the wind and winning the ball from the clearances.
With the breeze at their backs in the second quarter Williamstown failed to hit the scoreboard with any real ascendency.
Matthew Panos was a rare shining light up forward and looked the most dangerous of the Seagulls forwards, taking advantage of the strong midfield work of Tom Campbell, Ben Jolley and Jamie McNamara.
A late goal to Williamstown saw the margin reduced to 6 points at the main break.
Frankston again started strongly in the second half, booting 5 third quarter goals whilst keeping the Seagulls goalless, to take a significant 35 point lead in at the final change.
A big effort was required from the visitors to stage a late comeback and the task was made even tougher when Frankston kicked the first goal of the last quarter to extend the margin to 41 points.
The travelling Seagulls refused to admit defeat and answered with a few quick goals from Panos, Justin Sherman and Stephen Witkowski - giving the visitors some hope.
Momentum quickly turned Williamstown’s way and further goals from Panos, Lindsay Gilbee and a long bomb from Sherman levelled the scores at the 30 minute mark.
With the crowd on edge, neither side could fashion a goal scoring opportunity and the siren sounded confirming the draw.
The midfield brigade of Jolley, Campbell and McNamara worked hard all day.
Matthew Panos led the way up forward with four goals and took some strong marks.
Williamstown now has a week off before returning to Burbank Oval to tackle North Ballarat in an important clash.
- With James Gray-Foster
Frankston 5.2 8.7 13.8 14.8 (92)
Williamstown 3.2 7.7 7.9 13.14 (92)
GOALS:
Williamstown: Panos 4 Sherman 2 Witkowski Critchley Campbell Goodes Gilbee Djerrkura Grant
BEST:
Williamstown: Campbell Djerrkura Jolley Panos Lockwood Wall
