Williamstown has continued its recent winning run, simultaneously ending Geelong’s, with a close away win at Simonds Stadium last Saturday as Kane Hunkin reports.
Both Geelong and Williamstown entered the game on respective winning streaks and played in an according even manner. Despite boasting a season best nine straight victories, the Cats looked sluggish. The Seagulls appeared more polished, relishing a departure from their muddy home surrounds.
With the slim chance of claiming the final top four spot and equally encouraged by a 66 point win over Sandringham, Williamstown started well. Despite the margin never rising over 15 points throughout the afternoon, the visitors were never headed in the second half.
A one-point quarter time lead was indicative of the similar form of the two sides. Goals to Anthony Anastasio and Matthew Panos to start the game gave the Seagulls early momentum.
The intensity lifted in the second term, with Williamstown giving away a crucial double goal. Jesse Stringer converted from the boundary and when Troy Selwood was bumped off the play, the captain then converted from the same spot following the free kick giving the Cats the lead.
Williamstown controlled the play in the third term, with a late Brodie Moles goal decisive in a close game. The Seagulls failed to confirm the result early in the last, with a host of set-shot misses to Dylan Conway, Cameron Lockwood and Brett Goodes ensuring Geelong remained in the game. Although Geelong’s George Burbury trimmed the margin to four points with his second goal at the 25 minute mark, Williamstown would hold on, sending a message to the competition going into the finals.
The win is ominous leading into the post season, with last year’s grand finalists now entering on a six game unbeaten run.
“We seem to have found our best form at the right time of the year, which is pleasing,” Williamstown Football & Development manager Chris Dixon told vfl.com.au during the week.
In contrast, Geelong academy coach Paul Hood was pragmatic, noting that despite the result not going the way the Cats would’ve hoped, the upcoming finals would ensure the morale remain high.
“It’s frustrating for everyone when what we are trying to do doesn’t come off. Particularly on a day when it’s [down] to skill execution. But, you can’t let it linger for too long,” Hood said.
Geelong have a double chance, finishing third on the Peter Jackson VFL ladder. It is the Cats’ first VFL finals appearance since 2008. Hood additionally observed the optimism within the club.
“We are looking forward to next week with enthusiasm and fixing up the things today that we didn’t do to the level we’d like,” he said.
Justin Sherman (three goals) and Nick Sing were handy for Williamstown, while Cam Eardley and Shannon Byrnes were among the best for the Cats.
Williamstown take on Bendigo in an Elimination Final at North Port Oval this Saturday, with the venue also hosting the second qualifying final between Geelong and Port Melbourne on Sunday.
Williamstown 11.11.77 def Geelong 11.7.73
Last Modified on 27/08/2012 00:39