Williamstown’s advantage over Richmond in the ruck proved a key factor in its bounce-back 40-point VFL win at Punt Road Oval on Saturday.
Seagull big men Nick Meese and Sean Tighe were in total control of centre bounces and stoppages, benefiting from the absence of prolific Tigers ruckman Shaun Hampson, who is the competition’s leading hit-out artist.
Seagulls football manager Chris Dixon said the winning hit-out count definitely helped.
“When you have such aerial dominance you’re able to dictate a bit,” he said.
“Certainly that was an area we identified – with Shaun Hampson not playing – where we could really get on top.”
The Seagulls were desperate to respond after their heavy loss to Box Hill a round earlier. They didn’t have to wait long thanks to a short, six-day break between games.
After leading by 14 points at half-time, the Seagulls got really busy with 22 scoring shots to six in the second half.
They struggled to convert from their avalanche of chances, returning an ugly 14.23, but it was probably the best the Seagulls’ forward line has operated this season, with both talls and smalls having an impact.
Scott Clouston showed his importance to the side in his first game back after a month on the sidelines with injury. The big-bodied forward was a focal point and the rest of the forwards worked around him.
Ben Casley continued his solid form with two goals, while Michael Gibbons and Anthony Anastasio also chipped in with two each.
Mitch Banner was the standout Seagull midfielder, racking up 32 possessions.
Ben Jolley, Ed Carr and Adam Marcon and Gibbons were other ball magnets.
In the backline, Tim Currie had an impressive outing in terms of close checking on his opponent and a willingness to get his skates on to rebound from defensive 50.
Currie is staking a claim on a regular senior berth after three frustrating years of development league football.
“Tim’s been coming on really well,” Dixon said. “He’s certainly played a bit of development league football with us and the Northern Blues, but he’s taken his opportunity with both hands.
“He’s been able to play good roles and he’s neat coming out of the backline.”
The Seagulls will host Essendon in the noon timeslot at Burbank Oval on Saturday.
Channel Seven will broadcast the match live, but the Seagulls want the Morris Street venue packed for an important game between second and third on the ladder.
“It’s a great opportunity on the big stage to show what we’re about as a footy club, both on and off the field,” Dixon said.
“Essendon is playing on Sunday in the AFL so it will be a great chance for Essendon supporters in the area to come down.
“Our crowd against Box Hill was the best we’ve had for the year, so hopefully we can carry it on and get lots of people there to cheer our boys on. It’s certainly going to be a big occasion for the club.”
