By Lance Jenkinson
Williamstown overcame a bout of the goalkicking yips to come away with a 21-point win over Northern Blues on the road at Preston City Oval in the Victorian Football League on Sunday.
The Seagulls had a mighty struggle in front of goal, kicking 8.22 for the day, including 10 consecutive behinds in a goalless third quarter.
Better late than never, Andrew Collins’ team found a way to goal with four majors to one in the last quarter to claim the four points.
Nick Rodda finished with a game-high three goals, while Sam Dunell added two.
Mitch Hibberd and Liam Hunt were the main ball winners for Williamstown with 26 disposals apiece, while Adam Marcon capped a 20-possession game with 10 tackles.
Leigh Masters, Joel Ottavi and Jason Pongracic were also influential for the Seagulls.
Williamstown has strung together four consecutive wins and is unbeaten in six games.
The Seagulls will host Essendon in a blockbuster at Downer Oval on Saturday from 2pm.
Meanwhile, Footscray also made it four straight wins, running away from Sandringham in the second half to claim victory by 37 points at Trevor Barker Beach Oval on Sunday.
Young midfielders Rhylee West and Callum Porter were the standouts for the Bulldogs.
West had 24 disposals and five tackles, while Porter collected 20 possessions and five tackles.
Fletcher Roberts had a big game for the Dogs with 21 disposals and eight marks.
Gerard Gleeson (three goals), Shaun Edwards and Billy Gowers (two each) were threatening in front of goal.
Footscray is flying high in third spot on the ladder – 10 points clear inside the top four, which affords a double chance in the finals.
The Bulldogs have the bye in the VFL this weekend.
In VFL women’s, Williamstown suffered a 33-point loss to Carlton at Ikon Park on Sunday.
The Seagulls were competitive until three-quarter time, but got blown away in the final quarter when the Blues kicked five of the last six goals.
Danica Pederson, Megan Williamson and Eliza Straford were the Seagulls’ best players.
The bottom-of-the-ladder Williamstown will face Essendon at Downer Oval on Saturday.
Western Bulldogs were also on the receiving end of a loss, going down by 15 points to the Southern Saints at Trevor Barker Beach Oval on Sunday.
Kirsten McLeod, Bailey Hunt and Kirsty Lamb were the standouts for the Bulldogs.
Western Bulldogs will be eager to bounce back against NT Thunder at Mars Stadium on Saturday.
MORE VFL NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/werribee-winds-reversal-fortune/
