WILLIAMSTOWN tripped up at the first hurdle in defence of their Foxtel Cup premiership.
The Seagulls mounted a last-term charge but fell short by five points to South Adelaide at the MCG on Saturday.
Peter German’s team was second to the ball for most of the game, and the final score didn’t truly reflect the dominance enjoyed by the SANFL team.
A highlight for the Seagulls was a fantastic coast-to-coast team running goal finished off by Dale Hoghton.
Young guns Lin Jong and Clay Smith showed their might in and under the packs; Ed Carr was prolific in a link-up role and Matthew Panos chimed in with two goals on a tough morning for forwards.
The Seagulls meet the Coburg Tigers in the Victorian Football League at Whitten Oval on Sunday. Admission is free.
FOXTEL CUP SCOREBOARD
Williamstown 6.7 (43) lt South Adelaide 6.12 (48). Williamstown – Goals: Panos 2, Anastasio, Hoghton, McHarg, Moles.
Best: Smith, Jong, Carr, Hoghton, McNamara.