It was a matter of so close, but yet so far for both Frankston and Williamstown at the end of their round 12 Peter Jackson VFL clash last Sunday. As the final siren sounded, there was nothing separating the two teams, locked on 92 points apiece, having played out the first draw of season 2012.
Rewind 28 minutes, and the story was much different. Dolphins forward Khan Haretuku had slotted through his third goal of the game, and Frankston were in a commanding position, moving out to a 41 point lead just two minutes into the final term. What was to unfold would shock both Frankston and Williamstown fans, who were both experiencing emotions that were poles apart early in the final stanza.
The Seagulls staged a phenomenal fight back to kick six goals five in the final term, to Frankston’s one goal, to tie the game, and steal away two points from the Dolphins. It was a goal to Justin Sherman just two minutes from the final siren that drew scores level, and that is how they remained at full time.
The final siren brought mixed emotions for both clubs, as Frankston pondered how they let a victory slip, and Williamstown fans were left amazed at how they escaped from the clutches of defeat, and almost pulled off the unthinkable.
“I was really proud with the boy's effort and intent and the way we played,” Frankston coach Simon Goosey said.
“The result (draw) was hard to take as we played the better football and it would of been great to get the reward for the work the players have put in.
“As I said to the players after the game we are getting closer and the wheel is starting to turn and if we can bring that effort and game each week we'll be on our way, as long as we are improving and learning the results will take care of themselves.
For Williamstown, Football & Development Manager Chris Dixon explained the mixture of joy and disappointed that was felt after the game.
“We were pleased with the fight back the boys showed coming from 41 points down 10 minutes into the last quarter, but it was as equally frustrating that we weren’t able to display that form throughout the duration of the game.
“When the players showed a bit more urgency and took the game on we started to look more dangerous and eventually the momentum swung our way,” Dixon said.
“We all know our performance for the first 3 quarters was unacceptable and in many ways the game was a bit reflective of our season to date in that we’ve played very well in patches but equally poor as well.”
The draw sees Frankston rise from last place on the Peter Jackson VFL ladder, and they will take confidence heading to North Ballarat this weekend to face the Roosters, a team they have not defeated since round 12, 2005. Williamstown will have the week off with the bye, before returning in round 14 to take on North Ballarat.
Last Modified on 19/06/2012 17:15