Williamstown News

Battling Seagulls win earns breathing space

By administrator July 07, 2008

From The Age
Reported by Michael Sharkie

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WILLIAMSTOWN grabbed some much-needed breathing space at the top of the VFL ladder as it battled its way to a 16-point win over second-placed Casey Scorpions at Burbank Oval yesterday.

Having lost for only the second time this season against North Ballarat last weekend, Williamstown was out to make amends against the Scorpions, who would have taken top spot had they beaten the Seagulls, but instead slipped to fourth place. In blustery conditions, the match was a showdown between the Scorpions\' back line, which had conceded just 949 points, and the seemingly endless list of Seagull forward options.

With Peter Street returning from suspension, Seagulls midfielders David Stretton and Brett Johnson were well supplied early, with the home side dominating centre clearances. The Scorpions, however, used the ball with more purpose.

Hill on fire in Seagulls\' cakewalk

By administrator June 22, 2008
From the Sunday Herald-Sun
Reported by Howard Leigh

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WILLIAMSTOWN midfielder Josh Hill staked his claim for a return to the Western Bulldogs with a 30-possession, best-on-ground game against the Northern Bullants at Princes Park yesterday.
The 19-year-old had 18 kicks and 12 handballs and took eight marks working from the half-back line and across the centre to be the catalyst in the Seagulls\' 45-point win.

Williamstown coach Brad Gotch said Hill had been unfortunate to miss selection for the Bulldogs side for today\'s game against St Kilda at the Telstra Dome.

"I thought he was really good. He provided lots of run," Gotch said.

Willy fires up after home truths from coach

By administrator June 16, 2008

From the Herald-Sun
Reported by Chris Mitchell

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A POWERFUL three quarter-time spray from Williamstown coach Brad Gotch was enough to inspire the ladder-leaders to a gritty 14-point win against Frankston at Burbank Oval yesterday.

Gotch was disgusted at his troops inability to win the contested ball as Frankston took a 14-point lead into the final term and looked like inflicting Willy with just its second loss of the season.

But Gotch\'s words hit the right buttons as the Seagulls, aided by the work rate of David Stretton and Western Bulldogs utility Jarrod Harbrow, piled on five unanswered goals to win 18.13 (121) to 16.11 (107).

"I don\'t rev them up too often, but I was just disappointed with their attitude at three-quarter time," Gotch said.

"They were really down on themselves and we were only 14 points down so I just asked for a little bit more.

Game Dolphins test Seagulls

By administrator June 16, 2008

From The Age
Reported by Michael Sharkie

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WILLIAMSTOWN held top position on the VFL ladder with a hard-fought 14-point victory over a spirited Frankston at Burbank Oval yesterday.

The Seagulls looked sluggish early, with the Dolphins kicking seven goals to three in the first term through hard running and midfield pressure.

With Jason Cloke being well held by Dolphin captain Shaun Pollard, it was left to Dean Galea to provide a target for attacking backmen Malcolm Lynch and Jarrod Harbrow, who were instrumental in their side\'s eight-goals-to-three second quarter.

Seagulls overcome resistance

By administrator May 25, 2008
From the Sunday Age
Reported by Michael Sharkie

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WILLIAMSTOWN consolidated its position at the head of the VFL ladder yesterday, trouncing a spirited but depleted Box Hill at Burbank Oval 23.15 (153) to 13. 12 (90).

The match may have shaped as a mismatch, with Williamstown — the second-best offence in the VFL — unbackable favourite against the Hawks, the worst-ranked defensive team. But early on, at least, the game proved an entertaining contest, with the young Hawks throwing everything they had at the flag favourite, before the match reverted to script.

Continuing its good first-quarter form, Box Hill jumped the ladder leader early and successfully strangled Williamstown\'s running play with intense pressure through the middle, forcing the usually composed Seagulls into committing repeated turnovers. To make matters worse, Williamstown lost key forward Wayde Skipper to a knee injury late in the first term, leaving the bulk of the forward work to ex-Magpie Jason Cloke.

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