Tara Murray
Williamstown got the scalp it was aiming for in the Victorian Football League on Saturday.
Having picked up several wins this season, the Seagulls had yet to beat a side in the top four.
That changed on Saturday as the side accounted for the Box Hill Hawks, 11.10 (76)-9.7 (61).
The Seagulls led at quarter time, before trailing at half time and three quarter time.
Three goals to none in the final quarter sealed the win.
Seagulls director of coaching Jeff Andrews said it was a result they had been after.
“We identified for our season to keep progressing we had to knock off a top four side,” he said.
“To do that on their home ground on Saturday was pretty satisfying.
“It was probably our best win for the year.”
Andrews said they felt like they dominated the first quarter, before being squeezed in the second quarter.
He said the second half was in their control.
“They are always potent when they went forward against us,” he said.
“It was hard work and it was slippery underfoot. They had 14 AFL players, hard running types and have a good system.”
Corey Ellison kicked three goals, while skipper Cameron Polson kicked two goals.
Harry Jones and Tom Downie led the way with disposals, with 19 each
Andrews said Downie had a massive day in the ruck, while Ellison took four contested marks and was mighty up forward.
He said Finbar O’Dwyer and Marty Hore also had good games.
It had been a big week for Hore along with Oscar McDonald. There had been some talk the two might be selected in the AFL mid-season rookie draft, but neither were picked up.
Andrews said they believe the pair are good enough to be on AFL lists again.
“We are disappointed for them,” he said. “They are more than good enough to get the call up.”
The Seagulls remain in sixth spot.
This week the Seagulls host the Northern Bullants on Saturday afternoon.
While the Seagulls are wanting to get another win on the board, much of the focus will be on Ben Jolley.
Jolley will play his 300th VFL game, just the third person to achieve that milestone in the VFL-Victorian Football Association competition behind Bill Swan and Fred Cook.
Andrews said it would be the Ben Jolley show.
“It’s a major milestone and one of the reasons we got him back to play again,” he said.
“Everything will be normal, but we will honour him with people at the game who have been important in his journey.
“We’ll be speaking to the players about what this means. If you ask him, he’ll be happy to just get the win.”
The Seagulls women’s side continues to put the pressure on the top six, with another close win.
Facing the Box Hill Hawks, the Seagulls won 4.5 (29)-3.8 (26).
The Seagulls sit in seventh spot, two points outside the top six with three rounds remaining.
