A DOMINANT Williamstown has waltzed in to the inaugural Foxtel Cup Grand Final, with a thumping 71-point victory over East Perth in their semi-final game at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.
Their defensive pressure was fierce and their finishing skills were first rate as they thoroughly outplayed East Perth in almost every facet of the game, recording a 16.7 (103) to 4.8 (32) win.
The Seagulls kicked six goals to none in the first term to open up a handy 38-point lead as they displayed vigour in sticking their tackles and a desire to play team football.
Both teams had a couple of scoring chances early, before an easy goal from Seagulls forward Patrick Veszpremi opened the floodgates.
Veszpremi, the former Swan, was impressive with four majors but he also displayed a desire to pressure the opposition.
Christian Howard kicked Williamstown's second, and when the experienced Brett Johnson (18 possessions) slotted a difficult goal from a tight angle they were well on top.
They dominated the possession count and their hardness in the clinches was a key feature, in particular in their capacity to win clearances.
Dylan Addison pressed his claims for a senior recall with 20 hard-earned possessions and a goal, while first-year player Tom Liberatore was also brilliant, feeding teammates by hand with 17 disposals and six clearances.
East Perth struggled to find targets in their forward half and its ball use lacked conviction and polish.
They found it difficult to locate targets in their forward 50 with a flock of Seagulls players working back to clog the dangerous space.
Wiliamstown, on the other hand, excelled in this area as they were able to establish one-on-one contests inside 50.
Will Minson's height and strength was a real worry for the Royals and he was able to push forward on a number of occasions, to finish with two majors.
Small forward Stewart Cravino was also lively for the Seagulls with two goals and Brett Goodes demonstrated his experience and smart football brain, slotting two as well.
Williamstown's excitement machine Zephaniah Skinner provided a bundle of aerial highlights.
The Royals finally hit the scoreboard in the 16th minute mark of the second term through forward Matthew Seal, in a rare first-half highlight.
The Royals’ inconsistent play was further emphasised by an altercation between West Coast rookie Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls and teammate Nick Commer at half-time.
The pair had to be separated by former Hawthorn player Garry Moss, as their verbal argument escalated into noticeable pushing and shoving.
The strong feeling seemed to spark the Royals who came out with a renewed mindset after half-time.
Moss won the first clearance of the second half and was able to deliver to Fremantle listed player Hamish Shepheard who was able to capitalise with the Royals second goal of the match.
Shepheard kicked a goal and provided a consistent option for East Perth, as he sought desperately to lead his team.
Josh Smith also showed why he could be a possible mature-age recruit in the AFL, after an earlier stint with North Melbourne, revealing he could be a real presence for teams looking for a key forward.
The Royals lifted the defensive aspect of their game in the second half and began to at least make the Seagulls earn their possessions.
East Perth's Daniel MacCaulay gathered a game-high 22 possessions, but he was a rare shining light in the face of a match-hardened Williamstown midfield.
The Seagulls had too much experience and class and few Royals players were making a valid contribution to their cause.
Williamstown's class was emphasised by Cravino who kicked the first goal of the final term after a brilliant goal assist from Mitch Hahn.
Smith kicked the Royals' third nine minutes into the last quarter, trying his best to lift his side.
But it was the Seagulls' night, highlighted when Addison streamed forward and ran on to a clever tap from Minson and finished on the run to take the margin to 64 points.
Just minutes later, Goodes kicked his second when he drove the ball from 50 metres, before the final siren sounded to cap off a tremendous team performance from the Seagulls.
Williamstown will play the winner of Claremont and Port Adelaide in the Foxtel Cup Grand Final on August 6.
Williamstown 6.4 10.5 13.5 16.7 (103)
East Perth 0.2 1.3 2.7 4.8 (32)
Goals
Williamstown: Veszpremi 4, Cravino 2, Minson 2, Goodes 2 Addison, Johnson, Hahn, Howard, Tutt, Johannisen
East Perth: Smith 2, Shepheard
Best
Williamstown: Addison, Veszpremi, Liberatore, Minson, Davies, Johnson, Goodes
East Perth: Smith, Shepheard, MacCaulay, Chartres, Clutterbuck, Moss, Sweet
Click HERE for highlights of the first half.
Click HERE for highlights of the second half.
Article courtesy of Ben Guthrie from afl.com.au
Last Modified on 09/07/2011 21:23