Williamstown played host to long time rival Port Melbourne in the ABC TV Match of the Day in Round 2 at Burbank Oval. The Port Melbourne side contained former Magpies David Fanning, Julian Rowe and Brayden Shaw and ex-Williamstown players Jeremy Dukes, Stephen Brewer and Matthew Pearce.
Williamstown was forced to make 4 changes from Round 1. Chris Bryan was suspended, Nathan Brown injured and Brad Dick and Shannon Cox were promoted to the Collingwood side. Into the Williamstown side came Danny Nicholls, Tyson Goldsack, Brent Macaffer and Murray Boyd.
1st Quarter
The game began with both sides very scrappy by foot with a number of turnovers. Key Forward Ben Reid was very prominent but could not convert his good play. Dukes kicked the opening two goals for Port but Andrew Williams replied for Willi with 2 majors. Captain Brett Johnson was very creative and kicked a fine goal. Ben Davies, Kane McKenzie and Danny Nicholls were teaming well and Tyson Goldsack was playing a fine defensive game.
¼ Time: Williamstown 3.5 (23), Port Melbourne 3.1 (19)
2nd Quarter
The Borough assumed control in the midfield and lifted their workrate as forwards Pitt, Smith and Dukes were on top. Inaccurate kicking for goal by Port Melbourne restricted their ability to build an even larger lead. Willi forward Limbach kicked a goal after receiving a free kick but Willi continued to turn over the ball with defenders Egan, Stanley and Goldsack prominent.
½ Time: Williamstown 4.8 (32), Port Melbourne 6.9 (45)
3rd Quarter
Port Melbourne opened the scoring after a questionable free kick in the opening minute. The game was now opening up and even though the wind had strengthened and Port was kicking to the favoured end. Willi kicked goals through Iles, Williams and Wellingham. Key forward Dean Limbach was able to find space to kick 2 goals. With only two points the difference late in the quarter, Port rallied to kick 3 goals in the final 3 minutes to open a 20 point lead.
¾ Time: Williamstown 4.8 (32), Port Melbourne 6.9 (45)
4th Quarter
Willi had the breeze in the final quarter but Port Melbourne kicked the opening goal by Rowe to establish a 26 point lead. Willi was attacking furiously but was unable to exert any scoreboard pressure. With time running out Dean Limbach cut loose to kick 3 goals and Patrick Rose also goaled to reduce the lead to 2 points. An Andrew Williams snap sailed through but it was ruled to have been touched and then Port Melbourne rushed a behind. As both sides battled frantically the siren sounded with both clubs locked together.
Final Scores: Williamstown 13.15 (93), Port Melbourne 13.15 (93)
Goalkickers – Limbach 6, Williams 3, Rose, Johnson, Iles, Wellingham 1.
Best Players – Johnson, Meyer, Goldsack, Limbach, Greene, Davies.
Reserves Wrap
Williamstown Reserves suffered a 62 point loss as an undermanned side was run over in the second half. Ryan Crawford was Willi’s best again and continued his consistent form which will see him in line to make his senior debut very soon. Matt Miller was good across the half back line and Mitchell Keddell continues to win a lot of the footy and use it very well with his left foot. Cameron Lockwood was strong and tough around the packs and Ben Foley was a good marking target across Centre Half Forward. Anthony Chiu battled away in the defence providing toughness and drive for the defence. 18 year old forward Jarrod Clark had an outstanding 1st quarter marking strongly and kicking 4 goals he ended up with 5 in total and showed a lot of promise for the future.
Williamstown 10.9 (69), Port Melbourne 20.11 (131)
Goalkickers – Clark 5, Crawford 3, Keddell, Beaumont 1.
Best Players – Crawford, Miller, Lockwood, Keddell, Foley, Chiu.
Next Sunday April 22nd in Round 3 Williamstown travels to Casey Fields in Cranbourne to play the Casey Scorpions.
Next home game is on Sunday May 6th (Mothers Day) when the Seagulls take on the Bendigo Bombers. Presidents Luncheon on the day will be a 2 course meal of Soup and Roast Carvery with complimentary drinks for the length of the luncheon starting at 12noon and finishing before 2pm. For $40 a head it is the perfect Mothers Day present, so bring your mother to the footy and a have a Sunday Roast at Williamstown. Everyone welcome and bookings can be made by calling Trent Mosbey at the club on 9390 0611.