You do not say this often about Williamstown’s midfield, but was it fighting out of its class against Essendon in the VFL at Windy Hill on Saturday?
The Seagulls onball division is one of the most feared in the VFL, but it had to face a Bombers centreline that included ruckman Matthew Leuenberger, Brent Stanton, David Myers, Heath Hocking and Darcy Parish – a combination that would fit seamlessly into most AFL starting line-ups.
Williamstown would never back away from a challenge – they thrive on a standalone team versus professionals storyline – but it was perhaps biting off a bit more than it could chew against the Bombers on this day.
Seagulls coach Andrew Collins pointed to the clearance battle lost as the key factor in a 15-point loss. “It was a really good challenge for us to play against an Essendon line-up which consisted of 18 AFL boys,” Collins said.
“I thought they were terrific against us [at the stoppages], a lot more cleaner and a lot more precise than we were.
“We were down 10 clearances for the game and that’s normally one of our No. 1 areas.
“That area was the most disappointing area of the game for us.”
Williamstown’s hurt stemming from the loss was two-fold.
Not only did the Seagulls’ six-game winning streak come to a halt, but it left a sour taste in the mouths of Ayce Cordy, Sam Dunell and Peter Faulks, who played their 100th VFL games on the day.
Collins was full of praise for the trio, who have come back to the VFL from stints in the AFL to become strong players and leaders for Williamstown.
“It was a big occasion for all three of them, so it’s disappointing not to share success with them for their milestone games,” he said. “On Thursday night I thanked them for coming back into the VFL and being such good role models. A lot of players take an easier option, what I’d call an easier pay cheque at local footy, but these guys continue to challenge themselves against AFL-listed players in the best competition outside the AFL and that’s a positive reflection of their characters.
“They could get paid more money playing local footy, it could be easier for them, but they want to be challenged against AFL-listed players and what great role models all three of them are to our younger players.”
Forward Lachlan Schultz could be on his way to a long VFL career – or even higher.
Schultz kicked four goals and was the Seagulls best player in an eye-catching performance.
“He’s a very exciting prospect,” Collins said.
“He’s highly aggressive, he’s got great pace and he plays very tall for a small forward.
“I’m sure there were AFL recruiters there looking at him and going ‘wow, this kid has got a lot of potential’.”
Tall defender David Fahey was good in one-on-one contests and offered drive out of the back half for Williamstown.
Leigh Masters presented well and finished with two goals, while Cordy was the Gulls other multiple goalkicker with two.
Williamstown goes into a bye round in second spot, just two points out of top spot.
The Seagulls next game will be a blockbuster against ladder leader Box Hill Hawks at Box Hill City Oval on July 9.
