SEPTEMBER aside, it does not get any bigger than this. Williamstown and Port Melbourne. First versus second at Avalon Airport Oval on Saturday as Leader's Sam Landsberger reports.
For the Seagulls it represents their last chance to grab the scalp of a legitimate premiership contender before the finals.
In a Victorian Football League season where there are three sides at a level above the rest, Williamstown is 0-3 against flag rivals Port and North Ballarat.
The Boroughs are 15-0 and already have the minor premiership in the bag.
They face three top-eight sides in the run home, but Saturday looms as their last major tune-up.
With AFL hopefuls Sam Dwyer and Hugh Sandilands in peak form and Toby Pinwill set to return from the reserves, the Boroughs could hardly be better placed.
Seagulls coach Peter German highlighted recruits Wade Skipper (ruck) and former Willi forward Pat Rose (full-forward) as keys to stop.
And with a weakened defence, Borough forwards Rose and Dean Galea loom as the game breakers.
The former Gulls have combined for 105 goals this season and, with Western Bulldog Tom Williams out for the season with a broken foot, Williamstown could lose another defender to the AFL.
For Williamstown, Ben Jolley is in sensational form and racked up 30 touches against Claremont last week, a fine return from the shortened match time.
Brett Johnson is firming as a Liston Trophy contender, while young Dogs Jason Tutt and Christian Howard are proving invaluable with their dash and pinpoint foot skills.
Ironically, Williamstown is at the same odds to topple Port Melbourne on Saturday as it is for this year’s premiership.
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Last Modified on 12/08/2011 11:13