BY MICHAEL ESPOSITO
YOU couldn’t hope for a more exciting lead-up to a preliminary final – two western suburbs rivals with plenty of history going head-to-head for a berth in the VFL grand final.
The Seagulls broke their North Ballarat hoodoo in the semi-final two weeks ago. They now have to break their preliminary final hoodo.
This is the sixth straight year the Williamstown has finished the home-and-away season in the top four, but has not made a grand final since 2003, when it defeated Sandringham to claim the premiership.
Werribee has been starved of success for much longer. The Tigers last lifted a premiership cup in 1993. Their best chance since was in 2005, when they finished top of the ladder but lost to Sandringham in the grand final.
Since then, it’s been tough going for Werribee, particularly last season when it finished second-last with just four-and-a-half wins. But a new coach, new game plan and new players have re-energised the side. The fact that Werribee produced one of its best performances of the year in a sudden death final against a team that thrashed them just three weeks prior suggests the Tigers are genuine contenders.
These are two sides with stark differences in the way they play. Werribee’s plan revolves around winning the contested footy. If the game becomes a typical finals scrap where the focus is on gaining territory, Werribee will be in its comfort zone.
Williamstown has a bit more polish and can run and spread better than any team in the competition. With several classy ball users and imposing forwards, Williamstown can score rapidly and bury teams in a short space of time.
But, perhaps unfairly, the game is being played at a neutral venue, and the venue suits Werribee. Williamstown was taught a lesson by Port Melbourne when it played the Borough at TEAC Oval, whereas Werribee got much closer to the flag favourites.
Werribee coach Paul Satterley has said TEAC Oval fits his side’s game plan, whereas Williamstown seems to prefer wide open spaces.
Williamstown captain Brett Johnson said the Seagulls are going to treat the preliminary final just like any other game, but the players won’t be able to escape the sense of occasion.
Tigers captain Dom Gleeson alluded to the Western Bulldogs shifting alliances from Werribee to Williamstown, and suggested that will play a part in intensifying the rivalry.
Williamstown will have some selection dilemmas this week, with Bulldogs listed players such as Jason Tutt, Jordan Roughead and Patrick Veszpremi likely to be available for selection.
Watch out for a Will Minson versus Majak Daw ruck duel – it could play a major role in the outcome of the game.
