Geelong’s VFL side have kicked off season 2013 in a similar fashion to the way they finished the last, outclassing a strong Williamstown Seagulls outfit to claim victory in the Easter Sunday blockbuster at Torquay. Despite a late Williamstown charge, Geelong were able to claim their opening win of the season by eight points, 12.16.88 to the Seagulls 11.14.80.
The atmosphere was set early, with close to 5,000 spectators packing Spring Creek Reserve in Torquay to watch this annual encounter between two highly touted clubs.
The unfurling of Geelong’s 2012 premiership flag at the beginning of the match only added to the already bubbling environment at the ground.
However, the nature of this high intensity match resulted in wayward kicking and a wait of 17 minutes before the first major was scored by Williamstown’s new recruit Brent Prismall.
At the conclusion of the first term, Williamstown led by five points, but this would be short lived with the Cats taking charge in the second quarter. The likes of Jordan Schroder, Jackson Thurlow, Jackson Hollmer and Joel Hamling broke apart the Seagulls backline to give the Cats an eight point lead at the main break.
The physicality of the match provided some victims with Geelong’s Josh Walker succumbing to a shoulder injury and Williamstown’s Lin Jong also leaving the ground in the second term.
Although the Seagulls were able to stay with the Cats at the start of the third term, it was Geelong’s unwavering pressure that saw Williamstown make unnecessary errors across the ground.
Despite coach Peter German expressing severe disappointment in his side at three quarter time, it wasn’t until half way through the final term that his team lifted their spirits and put forward an inspiring effort in an attempt to steal the match from Geelong’s grasp.
The fight back was left too late and Geelong was able to walk away with an eight point victory in a match that closely resembled aspects of their 2012 Torquay encounter where the Cats scraped home with a seven point win.
Mitch Brown and Joel Corey were standouts in an impressive team performance by Geelong. Brown finished the match with 34 disposals and 11 marks, whilst Joel Corey amassed 28 touches and put forward a strong case for AFL selection next round.
It was Williamstown’s new recruits that were the shining lights for the club on Easter Sunday. Western Bulldog players Jake Stringer from the Bendigo Pioneers and Jackson MaCrae from the Oakleigh Chargers each made the transition into senior football with little hesitation and held great presence on the field against many older and more experienced players.
However, it was Willie Wheeler that had most tongues wagging. The Seagulls new recruit from VFL opponent Coburg was a clear leader on the field and will be a crucial member of the team going forward following the loss of experienced player Brett Goodes to the Bulldogs AFL side.
Photo: Arj Giese
Last Modified on 02/04/2013 18:04