By LIAM TWOMEY
WILLIAMSTOWN overcame the elements and a spirited Collingwood outfit at Victoria Park last week. The Seagulls were forced to kick into a strong breeze in the first quarter and as a result, found scoring difficult.
Collingwood booted three goals to one to open up a nine-point lead at the first break.
However, Williamstown was given its chance with the wind at the resumption of play and quickly started to eat into the margin.
The Seagulls booted 4.4 and restricted Collingwood to just two scoring shots to gain the lead.
Both teams continued to fight hard in the second half but it was Williamstown who made the most of its time with the elements in its favour.
After taking a two-point lead into the final term, the Seagulls finished with six last-quarter goals to seal the 14.15 (99) to 10.4 (64) win.
Western Bulldogs listed player Patrick Veszpremi was a standout on the Seagulls forward line and finished the game with four majors.
He was well supported by Anthony Anastasio and Fletcher Roberts who were the Seagulls’ other multiple goal scorers.
Around the ground, Ben Jolley and William Wheeler were stand-outs while Cameron Wood enjoyed a dominating day in the ruck against his former side.
For the Magpies, Alan Didak continued to put his name forward for a senior recall with a best-on-ground performance. Other impressive Magpies included Tim Broomhead and Ben Richmond.
The result lifts Williamstown to outright second on the VFL ladder with a 10-5 win/loss record for the season.
The Seagulls are equal on points with third and fourth placed Box Hill and Casey but enjoy a healthy percentage lead.
Collingwood sits in seventh spot with eight wins.
When round 17 gets underway this weekend, Williamstown will take on top-of-the-table Geelong in a blockbuster clash.
There are just three rounds remaining in the VFL season before finals.
