By Michael Esposito
BARRY Hall removed any doubt about his readiness to return to the Bulldogs after kicking four goals for Williamstown in the Seagulls’ gritty win against Collingwood on Saturday.
Hall, coming back from an ankle injury, could have boosted his tally had he kicked more accurately, and with Mitch Hahn (three goals), in support, Williamstown had one of the most formidable double acts the VFL has seen this season.
Williamstown, despite its healthy win-loss record, has not defeated sides as convincingly as last season, and again had to battle to put Collingwood away on Saturday.
The match remained tight for three quarters, with the Seagulls holding a two-point lead at the final change before kicking away to win by five goals.
Industrious midfielder Ben Jolley continued his super year with a best on ground performance.
Injury-plagued Ayce Cordy continues to improve with regular game time and was among Williamstown’s best on Saturday, particularly in the last quarter when he took ruck duties after Jordan Roughead came off with a sore shoulder.
Mitch Wallis played his typical possession-gathering game while in-an-under midfielder Luke Dahlhaus gave further reason for an elevation to the Bulldogs’ senior list with his ability to win the contested footy.
Josh Hill responded to being dropped by the Bulldogs with a top display of rebounding footy from half-back.
In other Williamstown news, defender Cameron Lockwood said he was confident of playing for the Seagulls this season after undergoing two hip operations recently.
Lockwood had athroscopic surgery on both hips the bones were re-shaped around the hip socket. Lockwood is expected to be sidelined for 10-12 weeks but could well be in the Blue and Gold towards the end of the season.
Werribee indicated it could be battling with Williamstown for a top four spot with a commanding win against the highly-fancied Northern Bullants on Saturday.
