By Lance Jenkinson
Williamstown will be a force to be reckoned with in the Victorian Football League finals.
The Seagulls struck red hot form at the right end of the season to time their run to a finals double chance to perfection.
The Andrew Collins-coached Seagulls will enter the finals on the back of a six-game winning streak. They had convincing wins over top two sides Richmond and Casey Demons during that streak.
Williamstown rounded out its home-and-away campaign with a 29-point win over the Demons at Casey Fields on Saturday.
There was little to split the two sides at half-time, but the Seagulls overran the hosts with a 10-goal-to-five second half.
Nick Rodda continued his fine form in front of goal with four majors. Rodda has kicked 18 goals in the past six games. Michael Gibbons, Brett Bewley and Ben Cavarra were prominent once again for the Seagulls, while ruckman Nick Meese had a strong second game back from injury.
Williamstown, who finished the regular season in fourth, will meet minor premiers Richmond in a qualifying final at the Swinburne Centre on Saturday night.
Meanwhile, Footscray finished its season with a 26-point loss to finals-bound Port Melbourne at the Whitten Oval.
The Bulldogs had to settle for a ninth-placed finish after a tough campaign with injuries.
In VFL women’s, Williamstown claimed a third win of the season, cruising to a 38-point win over Melbourne University at Melbourne University Main Oval.
Western Bulldogs had a thrilling four-point win over Darebin Falcons at Bill Lawry Oval.
In the TAC Cup, Western Jets finished the regular season in sixth place after 41-point win over Bendigo Pioneers at Queen Elizabeth Oval. The Jets will feature in the wildcard round this weekend for the right to advance to the main finals.
