By Travis Parnaby
Despite a shaky start, Williamstown coach Brad otch was satisfied with his team's opening account.
The Seagulls found themselves 25-points adrift in the early stages, that could be attibutable to its round one bye and Gotch was happy when the side finally kicked into gear.
"It's good to get a game under the belt, we were a little bit rusty. I thought about five to 10 minutes into the second quarter the game swung. We worked harder, we were cleaner, we hit targets and put the score on the board, which was great," Gotch told Casey 3SER 97.7FM after the match.
"I thought they started to tire a bit in the third quarter and that was a good sign for us to think we were running on top of the ground, given we had started so poorly - to still be in the game was pleasing."
Collingwood's forwards got on top early but Gotch reshuffled his defensive line and the move bore fruit for the Seagulls.
"I thought (Chris) Dawes had the better of (Cameron) Wight so I switched over Wight and (Scott) Meyer, that was a telling move on the day because Dawes was looking very dangerous and I thought they seemed to match-up better on those two guys because (Chris) Bryan was down forward and that helped Wighty a little bit," Gotch commented.
"I thought our half-back line started to run a bit in that third quarter and I think we got two goals off the half-back flank, so that was pretty handy."
Among those dashing off half back were recruits Ben Davies and Chris Egan, who both impressed.
"Egan was telling with a couple of goals... Ben Davies I used him in quite a few roles, either the wing, hal back or half forward, I think he ended up with a goal or two and I think he created a lot of oportunities. His run and dash will be very important to our team this year," Gotch said.
A hamstring complaint for Jason Cloke was the Seagulls only worry.
"He was distraught," Gotch commented.
"He kept sending the message up to me and I actually brought him back on for five seconds but the doctors said 'nah, he's no good, if he continues on he won't be right for next week'.
"They reckon it's not too bad, it's more back related. We'll see how he goes during the week. Certainly it made it difficult then rotating with one less player in these conditions."
Bulldog-listed player Robert Muprhy moved ok in his limited minutes.
"We are under instructions when it involves a quality player like that," Gotch said.
"The Bulldogs wanted him used a certain way and that's fine for us - we would rather have a quality player in VFL and being able to watch him come back from a long injury lay-off.
"I looked after him as best I could."
Next week the Seagulls confront arch nemesis Werribee at Burbank Oval.
"We're looking forward to getting back home and a win here today gives us confidence going into next week," he said.
"You like to win as many home games as possible, it's a bit of an advantage playing at home."
Last Modified on 21/04/2009 13:02