Williamstown are one step closer to reaching the heights of their 2003 premiership success after easily accounting for arch-rivals Werribee in what was a one-sided Preliminary Final last Sunday as Brendan Lucas reports.
Werribee were coming off the back of a convincing win against the Casey Scorpions, whilst the Seagulls’ had the week off, and were keen to make a statement early.
Williamstown were quick out of the blocks kicking the first six goals, with multiples to small forward Andrew Hooper, which consolidated a strong quarter time lead.
The Tigers’ inability to win the football from the stoppages and centre clearances was proving costly. This compounded with the Seagulls’ aggressive forward pressure placed Werribee under siege.
Werribee suffered a major blow losing key ruckman Majak Daw with a fractured finger in the lead up to the game.
Williamstown ruckman Will Minson took full advantage, exploiting the undermanned Tigers’, and giving the Seagull’s midfield first supply.
Ben Mckinley (3 goals) and Gavin Urquhart (2 goals) provided the only real efficient forward targets for the Tigers,’ as McKinley’s goal at the five-minute mark of the second term gave Werribee their first and a glimmer of hope.
However, it was Werribee’s run from half-back that remained stagnant and limited their supply throughout the day, as Leigh Harding and Matt O’Dwyer’s influence was curbed.
Williamstown’s Matt Cravino - the A. Todd Medallist (reserve best and fairest) - goaled late in the second term to give the Seagulls’ a 51-point lead heading into the main break as the game was all but over.
Sam Reid was the standout forward on the day, kicking three majors in the third for Williamstown, and finished with five as the Seagull’s showed their versatility up forward. Leading goal kicker Mitch Hahn well held by Tigers’ Brad Mangan.
Things seemed they could not get worse for the Tigers,’ as the Seagulls’ ball movement was superb in carving up Werribee, with Brett Goodes (28 possessions) leading the way.
The last quarter was all one way traffic for the Seagulls.’ Despite some late resistance from Werribee - highlighted by a courageous mark by Ben Ross floating back with the ball giving Werribee a goal – the damage had been done.
Williamstown running out comfortable 83-point winners to seal a Grand Final berth this Sunday at Etihad Stadium against rivals Port Melbourne to decide the 2011 Peter Jackson VFL Premiership.
After the game, coach Peter German said he was pleased with his side’s ability to come out firing after having a week’s break.
“You always worry when you have the week off that you may lose that bit of sharpness, but I thought the players were terrific and made a statement early which was pleasing for all,” German said post-match.
When asked about whether he has the right mix of players in the side for the Grand Final, German believes that the difference in venue could have a bearing.
“I still think there might be two or three that would still be in contention. In the end you are going from TEAC [Oval] a pretty small ground, to now a quicker, faster ground. That will maybe have an impact on selection.
“I reckon in grand finals you can look at many things, but at the end of the day grand finals are won by sides that have just really come to play and use the ball well.”
Williamstown 23.19.157 def Werribee Tigers 11.8.74
Photo Credit: Damian Visentini
Last Modified on 19/09/2011 13:37