A new year and new lists, but the same all encompassing battle between reining premiers Port Melbourne and runners-up Williamstown will occur this Saturday.
The Peter Jackson VFL match of the round for ABC TV is a cracker, with Port Melbourne taking on Williamstown at North Port Oval in the Grand Final replay. The game is guaranteed to be an exciting contest with Port Melbourne remaining undefeated for 27 matches in top spot, whilst Williamstown sit in third having won their last three games in a row.
Port Melbourne enters this challenging round after a mammoth 126 point win against the Northern Blues last Saturday.
Coach Gary Ayres was pleased that his side produced such a significant score against the Northern Blues and was even more impressed by the negating role his defenders were able to play, keeping their opponents to a mere 48 points.
“The ability of the players tackling pressure to dispossess the Blues when they had the ball and numbers at the contest and winning the disputed ball were all factors that go towards being better defensively so it is about what we do when we do not have the ball.”
Port Melbourne have been front runners in almost all of their contests this season. This weekend’s clash should provide the Club with their first true challenge for the year.
“We are fully aware of how hard this week’s game will be and what we aim for every week is to get our processes right and hopefully that gives us the result that we are after.
“Williamtown have been steadily building into better performances since they beat North Ballarat at Ballarat and have been led by Jolly, Goodes and young players like Hill and Redpath. I am sure they will be up for a huge contest as we are old enemies,” Ayres said.
Williamstown approaches Round 7 on a high following a nail-biting win against local rivals Werribee.
The Club opened the encounter very slowly and let Werribee take what seemed to be a game winning lead. General Manager, Brendan Curry felt that his side was initially hindered by the Tigers obvious experience.
“We have a very young side and I think it was more the quality and intensity of the Werribee players which resulted in us trailing by 7 goals early last week. Werribee were outstanding early and we couldn’t get our hands on the ball.”
Nevertheless, Williamstown demonstrated their inherent character by producing a thrilling come from behind victory.
“I think the comeback from our playing group was kick started by our leaders but without doubt all the players responded and lifted which enabled us to get over Werribee in the dying moments last week.”
Williamstown enter their battle with Port Melbourne enthusiastically and hungry for a tough challenge.
“We have the highest respect for Port Melbourne and the opportunity to play them on their home ground is a great challenge we look forward to. Peter German and the coaching staff will prepare for Port Melbourne in the same manner we prepare every week.
“To get the result we desire, we will have to produce a 4 quarter team effort with everybody contributing,” Curry said.
Last Modified on 02/05/2012 13:51