Tara Murray
Williamstown took three quarters to get going against Essendon in the Victorian Football League but saved the best for last on Saturday.
While the Seagulls were at home, it was the Bombers that handled the conditions better in the first three quarters.
The Bombers held a 20 point margin for much of the first three quarters, before the Seagulls started to get going in the final quarter.
Six goals to one in the final quarter turned a 19 point deficit into an 11 point win, winning 13.12 (90)-11.13 (79).
Seagulls coaching director Jeff Andrews said it took them a while to get going.
“There was a breeze that wasn’t going to the normal end,” he said. “Essendon had plenty of speed.
“We have some quarters where everything clicks and we can kick six to eight goals and that happened.”
Andrews said they knew they had plenty of experience on the ground to help come from behind.
He said they knew their fitness would also hold them in good stead.
“It was only a two to three goal breeze we had for the final quarter,” he said. “When we’re 19 points down we needed everything to go our way and we were able to kick six goals to one.
“The effort was there all game, the polish was not there.
“We backed the players in and they were able to do it.”
Nick Ebinger kicked three goals for the Seagulls, while Jack Toner, Brodie McLaughlin, Darby Henderson and Corey Ellison kicked two goals each.
Andrews said Will Fordham, who topped the disposal count with 33, Riley Collier-Dawkins and Toby Triffett did an outstanding job of keeping Dylan Shiel and Elijah Tstatas quiet.
Aiden Bonar down back and Henderson were other standouts according to Andrews.
The Seagulls remain in second spot on the ladder with a 6-1 record. Their only loss came to ladder leaders, the Footscray Bulldogs.
Andrews said they were happy with how things were sitting as they approach the half way mark of the season.
“We have Carlton next week and then the bye,” he said. “It’s almost the half way mark and it gives us an opportunity to finish the year off in a good spot.
“We have not been in that situation in some other years.”
Andrews said Fin O’Dwyer, James Cousins and Ryley Stoddart are all on track to return for the next couple of weeks to further strengthen their side.
Meanwhile, the Seagulls women had a win against North Melbourne.
The lead switched throughout the close match with the Seagulls winning, 4.8 (32)-4.4 (28).
