Williamstown coach Andy Collins slept easy on Sunday night after coaching the Seagulls to their first win of the season.
The game between the Seagulls and Footscray at Burbank Oval was the first since they split in the preseason, with Williamstown’s accuracy getting it over the line by 15.8 (98) to 7.15 (57).
Collins said it was good to get a win under his belt after two losses to start the season.
“Personally, it’s a lot better getting the first victory,” he said. “The players had been working hard, but we were having lapses in play that cost us in the first two rounds.
“The difference between the two sides was that we were more direct. We pressured them into critical turnovers in front of goal and were able to capitalise.
“We were in front for most of the game … in the back half of the third quarter they opened us up a bit and scored some goals.
“It wasn’t until about halfway through the last quarter, when they were kicking with a small breeze, that we kicked a couple of goals against … and knew we had the win.”
Collins said his side adapted better to tough conditions.
He said Scott Clouston and Anthony Anastasio, up forward, stood out by kicking seven goals between them.
Adam Marcon, in midfield, got the coach’s nod as one of his side’s best players.
Bulldogs player Jordan Russell said the loss brought the club back to earth after a win in the opening round.
“There was a massive build-up,” he said. “Being the only clash for the season between the two teams, it gives them bragging rights for the year.
“If you looked at some of the deeper stats, like the contested ball, you would think we’d have got across the line.
“They scored better from our turnovers and were able to get the ball quickly into the forward line.
“Our goal-kicking wasn’t ideal, either.”
Russell, who is the VFL development coach, said the performance of Footscray’s younger players was a positive.
“Darcy Fort played his first game for us
and Nicholas Jamieson and Michael Fogarty got another game against experienced opponents.
“From the AFL-listed players, Marcus Bontempelli led from the front and kept us in the game.”
This weekend, the Seagulls take on Richmond at home at Burbank Oval on Saturday, while the Bulldogs will face Northern Blues at Whitten Oval on Sunday.
