Some of Williamstown’s new players took to the field for their first official Club game including key recruit Peter Faulks, Ed Carr and also Western Bulldogs draftees Lukas Markovic, Andrew Hooper and Shane Thorne. Some players from the Bulldogs senior list also lined up for Willy including veteran Nathan Eagleton and youngsters Liam Jones and James Mulligan who played their first senior game.
First Quarter
The first quarter was played at a frantic pace and the opening goal was kicked by pies key forward John Anthony who had been dropped from their AFL side. Williamstown quickly replied Ruckman Jordan Roughead was dominating as the Seagulls kicked a number of goals. Up forward Matthew Little and Jarrad Grant were dangerous and midfielders Patrick Rose, Brett Johnson, Ed Carr and Nathan Eagleton were prominent. Defender Tim Callan was providing plenty of rebound and the only setback for the Seagulls was the game ending injuries to Shane Thorne and James Mulligan.
WILLIAMSTOWN 8.3 (51) COLLINGWOOD 2.1 (13)
Second Quarter
Williamstown kicked the opening major to extend their lead but Collingwood rallied and began to win some more ball through the midfield. Ben Jolley and Dylan Addison were prominent but the pies kicked 4 goals for the quarter. American rookie Seamus McNamara snapped a great left foot goal to give the pies supporters something to cheer about and Luke Rounds and Tom Sundberg were busy players up forward. Williamstown won the quarter by 1 point and extended their lead to 39 points at the long break.
Williamstown 12.6 (78) Collingwood 6.3 (39)
Third Quarter
Williamstown kicked the opening goal through Matthew Little, however this seemed to spur the pies who mounted a comeback. Six unanswered goals to Collingwood saw the lead reduced to 8 points as Seagulls Easton Wood, Ayce Cordy and Jordan Roughead suffered injuries taking its toll on the team’s performance. Tall pies forwards Chris Dawes and John Anthony began to exert an influence and youngster Pat Liston kicked 2 fine goals. Late in the quarter the Seagulls steadied with Jarrad Grant taking two strong marks resulting in goals. Patrick Rose also kicked a fine goal from a tight angle to reestablish a 26 point lead at three quarter time.
Williamstown 16.8 (104) Collingwood 12.6 (78)
Fourth Quarter
The final quarter was a thrilling affair, Collingwood’s large crowd were vocal and this only grew as their side kicked the opening 4 goals of the quarter to trail by only 2 points at the 20 minute mark. Dawes kicked a great long goal and Scott Reed snapped 2 goals as the pies looked destined to overrun the Seagulls. Experienced Seagulls in captain Brett Johnson and Nathan Eagleton stepped up to the plate and key defenders Peter Faulks and Lukas Markovic were outstanding. A great running goal to Eagleton steadied the ship and then key forwards Little (2) and Grant (1) combined to kick the final 3 goals for the seagulls to run out victors by 31 points.
Williamstown 21.11 (137) Collingwood 16.10 (106)
Goals: Little 7, Grant 4, Rose 2, Eagleton 2, Stretton 1, Johnson 1, Jones 1, Roughead 1, Wood 1, Callan 1
Best: Little, Johnson, Eagleton, Jolley, Faulks, Grant
Reserves Wrap
Williamstown reserves began their season under new coach Adam Potter with an impressive 78 point victory over the Northern Bullants. The reserves had 14 players play their first game for Williamstown and the team controlled the game from start to finish.
Full forward Nick Dimartino who had a disappointing season in 2009 and has previously had numerous injury interrupted seasons with the Western Jets kicked 7 goals in a great effort. Second year player Dean “the moose” Muir again played a great game and overall it was a very good team effort.
Williamstown 5.5 12.7 19.12 23.13 (151)
Bullants 3.1 4.4 7.5 11.7 (73)
Goals: Dimartino 7, Daniels 3, Panos 3, Griffiths 2, Cartelli 1, Smith 1, McCallum 1, Mugavin 1, Florance 1, Prato 1, German 1, Lee 1
Best: Dimartino, Muir, Lee, Panos, Cartelli, Mugavin.
What's on Next Week?
Next week Williamstown seniors travel to Broadbeach to take on newcomers Gold Coast on Saturday April 17 whilst Williamstown Reserves play the Casey Scorpions in Cranbourne on Sunday 18th April at 11.00am.
