Williamstown, the FOXTEL Cup reining premiers, take to the MCG on Saturday to play their first 2012 Cup game. The Seagulls will be lining up against the South Adelaide from the SANFL.
The competition is a state-league based knockout competition which showcases the quality footballers from across Australia. It brings 16 of the best teams from the various state leagues across the country to play in a unique knockout contest which is televised by FOX Footy.
Williamstown enters this FOXTEL Cup challenge after a significant loss to Port Melbourne in the Peter Jackson VFL last weekend. Although it was an uncharacteristic loss, Football Manager Chris Dixon says the Club are aiming to promptly return to their previous top form.
“We’re obviously looking to bounce back after a disappointing performance last week, no doubt the players will be keen to make amends and put in a good performance on the MCG. It’s great to be back in the competition after our success last year.”
The Club will be fielding a different side to their normal VFL group in an attempt to make the most of the whole season.
“As we did last year we’ve taken this opportunity to rest a few of our more senior players. As we haven’t had a bye yet it’s pretty much been 11 weeks of consecutive football matches including all our practice matches.
“We’re also mindful that some of our players could be involved in the VFL State Game so they won’t have that opportunity to rest them. This has created some opportunities for our younger players and the guys who have been performing well in our Development side. Players like Kwame McHarg, Dylan Conway, Nick Sing, Nathan Giles and Anthony Anastasio will get their chance this week which is a positive for us.”
Williamstown have been blessed with a home game which will no doubt assist the side when recovering for their next round in the Peter Jackson VFL.
“We’re excited to be playing at the MCG. It’s obviously a bit of a buzz for the boys involved where most of them have never played there before. After playing three FOXTEL Cup games interstate last year we certainly saw the benefits of the travel aspect, but from a conditional and logistical point of view it’s a lot easier playing in Melbourne.”
The Club has prepared for this FOXTEL Cup contest as if it were a regular VFL match; scouting their opposition’s game plan and key players.
“We’ve done our research as normal. We’ve tracked their progress and seen a fair bit of their recent matches on video. South Adelaide have quite a few ex-VFL players such as Nick Liddle, Joel Cross, Michael Wundke, Xavier Gotch and even Ben Casley who played a couple of games for us 2 years ago as a 23rd player. We think our opposition analysis work has been as thorough as every other week,” Chris Dixon said.
Williamstown’s game will kick off on Saturday at 11:00am and act as a curtain raiser to the Richmond vs Sydney AFL match at the MCG. Entry is free.
Click HERE for the teams.
Last Modified on 11/05/2012 14:30