The Williamstown side made 7 changes from Round 1 - Dylan Addison and Nathan Eagleton were promoted to the Bulldogs AFL side whilst Shane Thorne, James Mulligan, Ayce Cordy and Easton Wood missed through injury. Matthew Cravino was dropped to the Reserves. Coach Peter German and his match committee promoted 7 players from the Williamstown Reserves side which defeated the Northern Bullants convincingly in Round 1. Into the side came Jarrad Boumann, Jason Tutt, Matthew Grossman, Josh Griffiths, Phil Smith, Luke Cartelli and Tom German. For Tutt, Griffiths, Smith and German it was their first senior game at Williamstown.
First Quarter
In hot, humid conditions the Gold Coast kicked the opening goal through Daniel Harris with the aid of the breeze. However the Williamstown defence through Peter Faulks, Lukas Markovic, Tim Callan and Jarrad Boumann were defending stoutly and also providing plenty of rebound. Williamstown was able to kick goals through Matthew Little and Liam Jones to gain the early ascendency. Ben Davies, Ben Jolley and Ed Carr were winning plenty of the ball and when Brennan Stack kicked accurately after the siren the Seagulls had established an 11 point lead at the first break.
Williamstown 3.3
Gold Coast 1.4
Second Quarter
The second quarter began well for the Seagulls with Captain Brett Johnson winning a number of clearances, enabling quick ball movement into the forward line. Jarrad Grant was continuing his fine form and Matthew Little kicked his second and third major during this term. The Gold Coast was able to respond with consecutive goals to Luke Shreeve, Charlie Dixon and Danny Stanley, keeping the Gold Coast in the game. Small forward Andrew Hooper was lively with 2 second quarter goals and the Seagulls led by 20 points at the main break.
Williamstown 8.8
Gold Coast 5.6
Third Quarter
Williamstown opened strongly in the third quarter but inaccurate kicking for goal on four consecutive set shots let the Gold Coast off the hook. The Gold Coast rallied strongly through the brilliance of Brandon Matera and kicked 4 consecutive goals (Alik Magin (2), Rory Thompson and Liam Patrick) to grab the lead by 2 points, the local crowd getting behind their team. Williamstown responded with Luke Cartelli snapping truly and then Liam Jones kicked his third goal to re-establish a 9 point lead at three quarter time.
Williamstown 10.12
Gold Coast 9.9
Fourth Quarter
With the game in the balance Williamstown had an outstanding opening 10 minutes inspired by their on ball brigade - Jordan Roughead, Brett Johnson, Ed Carr, Ben Jolley, Tom German, David Stretton, Josh Griffiths, Patrick Rose and Ben Davies. Williamstown kicked goals through Little (2), Jones, Grant, Hooper and Davies to secure their second away win. Up back lesser lights Phil Smith, Matthew Grossman, Jason Tutt and Cameron Lockwood gave tremendous rebound throughout the day.
Williamstown 16.17 (113)
Gold Coast 11.11 (77)
Goal kickers: Little 5, Jones 4, Hooper 3, Davies, Cartelli, Stack, Grant
Best Players: Johnson, Carr, Faulks, Lockwood, Markovic, Little
Reserves Wrap
Williamstown Reserves travelled to Casey Fields on Sunday and emerged 39 point victors, maintaining their unbeaten start to the season. Coach Adam Potter was very pleased with the effort with the side having 8 changes from Round 1. Players to return included Bulldog Stephen Tiller and Michael Tanner, Dane Rampe, Josh Young, Dion Lawson and Brian Fenton.
Williamstown 3.4 10.4 17.9 21.11 (137)
Casey 1.1 6.1 12.3 15.8 (98)
Goal kickers: Young 4, DiMartino 3, Fenton 2, Rampe 2, Purton-Smith 2, Panos 2, Cravino 2, Lee, McCallum, Marangon, Florance
Best Players: Sing, Purton-Smith, Lee, Cravino, McCallum, Mugavin
What’s on next week?
Next Saturday 24th April Williamstown hosts the undefeated Sandringham Zebras in the VFL Match of the Round.
Reserves 11am
Seniors 2pm
President’s Luncheon will be held with Guest Speaker trucking magnate Lindsay Fox. Tickets cost $40 per head for the Lunch which begins at 12 noon sharp. For bookings contact Brendan Curry / Nicole Hopkinson on 9391 0309.
