Tara Murray
Williamstown has set the standard for its performances after shocking the Gold Coast Suns in the Victorian Football League on Saturday.
After a win less start to the season, the Seagulls went into the match against the Suns as massive underdogs.
Despite missing some of their most experienced players, the Seagulls came away with the win, 12.9 (81)-9-17 (71).
Seagulls coach Justin Plapp said it was pleasing for the group to finally get some points on the board.
“After a pretty tough start we are finally off the mark which is pleasing,” he said.
“We played against a pretty strong Gold Coast team with 22 AFL-listed players in the team. You do not face that often.
“We played a pretty good opposition where nearly every single player is a full time athlete and gets to work on things all week.”
The Seagulls went into the game missing a number of key players. They suffered another blow when Tom Downie hurt his hamstring in the warm up.
It didn’t show with the two sides level at quarter time. The Seagulls took the lead in the second and third quarter and led by 33 points at the last break.
Despite a late comeback from the Suns, the Seagulls were able to hold on.
“The performance from us was really high,” Plapp said
“We came up against a good side that was always going to come at us. The discipline from the youth and the younger players.
“They were able to stick with it and showed character and resilience, which is what you want from a footy team.”
Jordan Gallucci kicked three goals in the win, while Joel Ottavi kicked 2.4.
Teia Miles had 31 possessions from half back and was pretty instrumental. Noah Lever, one of several first gamers, was another who impressed Plapp.
The coach said the key to the win was that everyone contributed.
“We got a pretty even level performance,” he said.
“It wasn’t left to too few, which we’ve had a lot of in the first few rounds.
“An even level is what you need to win games of footy.”
The younger players and spread from the group will need to continue with two stars ruled out for the season.
Captain Cam Polson and former AFL James Cousins will miss the rest of the season through injury.
Plapp said it was really disappointing for both of them, especially Polson who is in his first season as captain.
“It’s never easy being put into those roles and you want to influence the game,” he said. “He is going to have to find different ways to stay involved.
“It’s unfortunate for him. The last two years have been taken away from him because of COVID and now he will miss another one.”
The Seagulls this week face Frankston at home. Plapp said the performance against the Suns had set the standard for them going forward, with the young players needing to show that resilience every week.
Meanwhile, Footscray had the bye on the weekend. This week they play Collingwood.
