Williamstown have stamped their authority on the competition securing their fourth consecutive win, defeating Coburg by 52 points as Brittany Shanahan reports.
The Seagulls booted six goals in the final term to bring a resurgent Tigers line-up to a halt and prove they were in a class of their own.
Under newly appointed coach Adam Potter, the Tigers came out blazing in the first quarter matching the Seagulls with ferocious tackles and work rate but trailed at the first break by a goal.
The Seagulls kicked into gear in the second term restricting the Tigers to a scoreless quarter. Zephaniah Skinner came to life showing flashes of brilliance in the air and on the ground scoring two goals for the match and taking a ripping mark in the forward line.
Mitch Hahn was also in fine form, taking strong overhead marks and utilising his set shots. Hahn recorded 17 possessions and was the most accurate kick on the ground scoring 4.2 goals.
It got to the point where the Tigers could penetrate the footy forward but didn’t have their forward structure setup and the Seagulls proved to be too damaging through the centre corridor.
In the very few positives for the Tigers, 203cm ruckman Andrew Browne was a solid contributor dominating the ruck for the Tigers but unfortunately didn’t have the support from his teammates around the ground.
Williamstown coach Peter German wasn’t happy with his sides’ inconsistency over four quarters but was quietly pleased about their mental resilience in the final quarter against Coburg.
“I wasn’t overly excited with the way we played. After the game I told the players we have set a standard and I don’t think we have come close to it today.”
“Of course it is (mental resilience). If it was fitness or ability or anything like that they would’ve over run us. That’s the thing as a coach that you are always challenged with.”
German was also happy with the opportunity that Will Minson’s absence has provided Ace Cordy with and thinks that Skinner has a bright future if he improves on the basics in his game.
“No Minson today and Ace Cordy hasn’t played ruck for about two or three years now so it was a good opportunity for him to get some exposure and work rate in the ruck.
“Zeppie has just got to keep working on the basics of his game and he just has to continue to work and learn about the modern game at this level and hopefully at AFL.
“He is exciting and there is no doubt about it.
Sharing the top of the table with Port Melbourne, it’s a huge game for Williamstown this week against Sandringham at 'home' in the ABC TV game. Coburg will have the week off and return in round seven to take on reigning premiers North Ballarat.
Last Modified on 03/05/2011 18:12