Williamstown has climbed off the canvas to book a preliminary final clash with Box Hill Hawks after a remarkable win over the Werribee Tigers today.
The Seagulls appeared on the brink of a straight sets finals exit after giving up six unanswered goals to trail the Tigers by 31 points at three quarter time.
But the pre-game favourites refused to go quietly and responded with a stunning nine-goal final term to claim a dramatic 26-point victory, 15.15 (105) to 11.13 (79).
Kane Lambert kicked three goals in the incredible surge, including two from beyond the arc as his teammates rallied to the cause.
The gun midfielder finished with four goals and 30 disposals, while veteran Ryan Ferguson (two), Adam Marcon (two) and Ben Davies (two) also landed telling blows throughout the afternoon.
David Fahey was instrumental down back, while skipper Ben Jolley’s composure with ball in hand was a standout.
Werribee’s Ben Warren, Jackson Davis and Addam Marcic snared two goals apiece but they failed to fire in the final stanza.
The Tigers were left to ponder what might have been after dominating the third term and seemingly posting a match-winning lead.
With Nick Meese missing in action, Werribee big men Daniel Currie and Dylan Reid controlled the stoppages and both featured on the scorecard as the Tigers piled on six unanswered goals.
Brody Mihocek and Jesse Crichton seemed impassable in defence and the likes of Warren and Ben Speight capitalised in the forward half.
As the Seagulls wasted opportunities in front of goal, the Tigers’ lead stretched beyond five goals and a fourth-consecutive preliminary final berth awaited.
But with their season slipping from their grasp, the Seagulls responded with run and verve, taking the ball through the centre of the ground at every opportunity.
Under a weight of pressure, the floodgates opened and one of the most see-sawing contests you’re ever likely to see finished in a Williamstown triumph.
The Seagulls will take on the Hawks next Sunday at North Port Oval in the second preliminary final after Port Melbourne and Footscray go head-to-head the day before.
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NEXT WEEK
Saturday September 13
AFL Victoria Development League Grand Final
10:45am: Williamstown v Box Hill Hawks
Senior Preliminary Final
2:10pm: Footscray v Port Melbourne
Sunday September 14
11am: Young Guns Game
Senior Preliminary Final
2:10pm: Box Hill Hawks v Williamstown
Last Modified on 08/09/2014 00:18