Traditional rivals, Williamstown and Port Melbourne, meet this weekend to continue their long and rich competition history.
FOR someone not versed in the history, let alone the tradition of the VFA/VFL, and guided solely by the results of this season the Semi Final between Port Melbourne and Williamstown would appear decidedly one sided.
After all, Port Melbourne belted Williamstown by 47-points at the Seagulls home Point Gellibrand headquarters.
And, in the return clash, back in a wet and miserable Round 14, the Borough smashed Williamstown by 71-points in what was as lopsided a contest as you could wish to witness.
Following an even opening quarter, Port Melbourne kicked 11.9 over the final three quarters while Williamstown was held to a lamentable 0.4.
Such a formline would seem to suggest Port Melbourne has Williamstown’s number, but to reach that conclusion is to under sell the immense rivalry between these clubs dating back since the evolution of the competition.
Williamstown would be deeply embarrassed by its latest performance against its old foe, whose clashes now stretch to a competition-high 241 times.
Granted, the Seagulls will start underdogs, but this will be anything but a pushover. History tells us that.
History tells us these clubs will prime themselves like it is a Grand Final and in reality it is because for the loser there is no tomorrow. For the winner the dream lives on.
Williamstown finds itself facing the old enemy after it ran out of gas in the final term against Box Hill Hawks, which extended a tenuous three point three-quarter time lead into a five goal win.
Port Melbourne advanced from its testing Elimination Final victory over a spirited Collingwood.
Certainly, the Borough has the advantage of playing at home. Its defeats at the North Port Oval during the Gary Ayres’ six-season reign are in single digits.
But, the Seagulls can be expected to field a vastly different team that was defeated by the VFL Hawks.
Williamstown will not be able to include Dylan Addison or Jack Macrae, who played against the VFL Hawks, as they didn’t meet the finals eligibility criteria.
Veteran Western Bulldog Daniel Cross, defender Matt Austin, ruckman/forward Tom Campbell, forward Jarrad Grant, midfielders Lachlan Hunter and Christian Howard are eligible to play with Williamstown.
Cross, Austin, Campbell, Hunter and Grant all played for the Bulldogs in its win against Melbourne last weekend, but only Austin and Campbell have been named for the Seagulls this weekend.
For Port, there is a massive loss of their inspirational leader John Baird who injured a hamstring in the Elimination Final.
It just adds to the intrigue of another fascinating chapter of one of footy’s great rivalries.
Don’t be swayed by the home and away results, this Semi Final shapes to be a ripper.
Last Modified on 06/09/2013 09:35