Williamstown opened its 2008 campaign with a convincing 56 point win over Western Suburbs rivals Werribee at Bartercard Oval on Saturday.

 

Williamstown debuted two teenagers in Nathan Lyons and Mitchell Keddell whilst Ben Jolley, Callum Urch and Jason Cloke played their first VFL games as a Willi listed player. Young Western Bulldogs Callan Ward, Jarrad Grant and Guy O’Keefe played their first official VFL game.

 

Williamstown opened the game in blistering form as the midfield took advantage of Peter Street’s ruck dominance to kick four goals in the first 7 minutes of the game. Jason Cloke, Callum Urch, Jarrad Grant and Stephen Tiller were prominent up forward. Williamstown’s defence was rock solid although Werribee Captain James Podsiadly kicked his sides only major for the quarter. Nathan Lyons, Cameron Lockwood’s and Wayde Skipper all provided further impetus off the bench as Coach Brad Gotch utilised all of his players.

 

¼ Time: Williamstown 8.6 (54) Werribee 1.4 (10)

 

  

Williamstown continued its dominance early in the second quarter as its tackling was clearly rattling its Werribee opponents. Ben Jolley was outstanding in the middle of the ground and young Bulldogs Jarrad Harbrow, Callan Ward and Guy O’Keefe were prominent. Up back Scott Meyer, Adam Cook, Paul O’Shea and James Beaumont were providing plenty of rebound out of defence. Werribee were able to find a marking forward with Alan Obst kicking a couple of goals but Williamstown extended its lead to 51 points at the main break.

 

½ time: Williamstown 13.10 (88)          Werribee 5.7 (37)

 

The third quarter begun with the threatening skies finally bursting open with torrential rain and hail lashing the ground. The changing conditions certainly evened up the contest as the game became a slog. Cameron Lockwood was reported for charging and the resultant melee seemed to give Werribee a boost. Captain Brett Johnson was gathering many possessions and Liam Picken, Patrick Rose and David Stretton were prominent.

 

¾ Time: Williamstown 16.13 (109)       Werribee 7.8 (50)

 

The final quarter begun with Liam Picken hurt after a clash of heads and he was carried from the ground. Urch and Grant continued their dominance up forward whilst Cloke controlled the backline. Peter Street continued his dominance and Willi’s midfield continued to dominate the game. Werribee kicked a couple of consolation goals but the result was never in doubt after the first quarter onslaught.

 

Final Scores:     Williamstown 19.15 (119)        Werribee 10.13 (73)

 

Goalkickers- Urch 5, Grant 4, Rose 1, Jolley 1, Skipper 1, Picken 1, Stretton 1, Lockwood 1, O’Keefe 1, Cloke 1, Tiller 1, Lyons 1

 

Best Players – Jolley, Urch, Street, Johnson, Cloke, Meyer

 

Williamstown obliterated Werribee at Reserves level by 112 points in a practice game.

 

Easton Wood played his first game after his Shoulder Reconstruction and Brennan Stack and James Mulligan returned from injury. Jarrad Boumann, Sam Reid and Henry White also played in the match.

 

Josh Young was prominent for the Seagulls throughout the midfield picking up touches at will and using his foot skills to great effect. Dean Galea was a force up forward after missing the Seniors game through a one week suspension. Timmy Jenkins was dangerous around the packs as was Anthony Chiu. Sam Toulmin, Nathan Black, Mick Tanner and Matthew Cravino were solid in defence. Murray Boyd and Brant Dickson provided marking targets around the ground.  

 

Williamstown    7.5 16.12 18.14 19.16 (130)

Werribee          1.2   1.2   1.2   2.6 (18)           

 

Goalkickers: Galea 4, Jenkins 3, Dickson 2, Boumann 2, Wood 2, Boyd 1, Reid 1, Cravino 1, Mulligan 1, Young 1, Knight 1

 

Best Players: Young, Galea, Wood, Toulmin, Black