Tara Murray
Williamstown got back to playing some of its brand of play as it returned to the winners list in the Victorian Football League on Sunday.
After two straight losses, the Seagulls match with the Northern Bullants became a must win as they looked to stay in touch with the top teams.
The Seagulls took an early lead and that would be the difference all day. It would be back and forth for much of the day, but the Seagulls did enough to win, 12.13 (85)-8.12 (60).
Seagulls director of coaching Jeff Andrews said they were a bit happier after the weekend.
“Back on the winners list, that is nice,” he said. “We were poor against Port Melbourne and then took some steps forward against Southport but couldn’t get the points.
“Yesterday [Sunday] was a lot better. We were able to finish off a bit more.”
Andrews said it was typical Williamstown conditions with the breeze on Sunday.
They kicked with it in the first quarter and made the most of it with five goals to none. It set up the win for the Seagulls.
“It was a backwards and forwards struggle after that,” Andrews said. “We dominated forward possession and inside 50s, but we didn’t finish it off as well as we would have liked.
“We looked more like us.”
Brodie McLaughlin and Corey Ellison kicked three goals each, but both missed some chances with three points each as well.
Andrews said Toby Triffett did a standout job on shutting down Jean-Luc Velissaris and limiting his impact.
Luke Parks and Aidan Bonar down back both had strong games as well.
Will Fordham and Cam Polson had plenty of the ball with 26 and 25 disposals respectively.
The win was soured by injuries to Finn O’Dwyer and Nick Ebinger. Andrews said they would both be assessed this week.
With Jack Toner and Riley Collier-Dawkins also missing the Seagulls midfield depth is being tested.
Andrews said they would likely get some players back after the bye in two weeks time.
The win has the Seagulls in sixth position in what is turning out to be a close season.
“We are only percentage and a win off top,” Andrews said. “It’s nice and tight and we have to keep getting those wins to stay close to the top.”
Before the bye, the Seagulls face Werribee on Saturday afternoon. The Tigers sit in third sport, percentage ahead of the Seagulls, but have played one less match.
The two teams faced off on Anzac Day with the Seagulls getting the win on that occasion.
Andrews said it would be a good challenge.
“I don’t think they’ve lost a game since then,” he said. “They are doing alright and are hard to beat at Werribee.
“We’re looking forward to it.”
