It will be from friends to foes as Williamstown hosts Essendon at Point Gellibrand at 2pm Sunday. Steve O’Brien previews the game.
Williamstown players, Ben Jolley, Brent Prismall, Tom Campbell, Jack Redpath and Tory Dickson who has been named to make his return from injury, all played with the Bombers, be it the former aligned Bendigo Bombers, On the flip side Essendon VFL operations manager Matt Little achieved legendary status during his time at Williamstown.
It is not a sudden occurrence as former players John Fanning, Ray Smith, Jason Cloke and Colin Boyd are just a few who have represented both clubs.
The Seagulls, who are aiming to establish a place in the top 4 welcome a host of stars into the side which was defeated by Port a fortnight ago. Lucas Markovic, Clay Smith, Nathan Hrovat, Jolley, Jason Tutt, Mitch Wallis and Dickson will all be welcome additions.
Essendon, which notched its first win in 5 weeks with a thumping win over Sandringham, have also welcomed a group of senior players. Tom Bellchambers, Scott Gumbleton and Nathan Lovett Murray make the side more imposing. Tall VFL listed defenders David Fahey and Josh Freezer have both been called into the squad. They will need to cover for Tayte Pears who has been named for his second AFL match of the season. Jackson Merrett has also been recalled to the AFL team.
The Dons got themselves back into finals contention with their win last week, but will find it much more difficult at the generally windswept seaside ground - one of the true last bastions of home ground advantage.
The battle in the ruck will be worth the price of admission with Tom Campbell and Cameron Wood going head to head with Bellchambers and David Hille.
The Seagulls boast wonderful midfielders in Jolley, Prismall, Smith, Daniel Cross, Wallis and Willie Wheeler. Essendon will be banking on Ben Duscher who has found form after a slow start to the season, Leroy Jetta, Travis Colyer, Lovett Murray and Will Hams to at least try and break even.
It may be up forward where Williamstown has the biggest edge. Young guns Hrovat and Lachie Hunter will take plenty of minding. Dickson may prove the most difficult match up of all. Essendon’s Mr Fix It Kyle Hardinham likely to have the first crack at his former teammate.
At the other end Markovic and Mark Austin will probably take Gumbleton and the resting ruckman. The experienced Cross and Christian Howard, who was Williamstown’s best last game, form an imposing half backline. Nick O’Brien who was drafted as a leading forward but has played mainly as a midfielder this season has been named at full forward.
For me it’s Williamstown at home by 5 goals.
Last Modified on 14/06/2013 13:06