By Michael Esposito
WILLIAMSTOWN’S Foxtel Cup grand final victory against Claremont was not just a glowing endorsement for the club and the VFL, but of the inaugural state league knock-out competition.
The Seagulls defeated a persistent Claremont side by 21 points at Perth’s Paterson Stadium, in a top-class encounter between two of the strongest second-tier sides in Australia.
Williamstown vice-captain Ben Jolley, who was rested in the semi-final, won the Coles medal for best-on-ground with his dominant 30-possession performance.
The match threatened to be a blow-out when Williamstown opened up a three-goal lead in the second quarter of the shortened format game, but Claremont dramatically lifted its intensity in the third term, implementing a full press which momentarily rattled Williamstown.
The Tigers got within five points of Williamstown at the last break, but the Seagulls showed immense resolve and a greater ability to run out the game to break the shackles and kick away in the last quarter.
Christian Howard kicked the first goal of the last quarter at the eight-minute mark with his second conversion from beyond 50, which was followed by a goal to Jordan Roughead, who ran into space and received the ball from Brett Goodes.
Fittingly, Nathan Djerrkura, who set up so many of Williamstown’s attacks, kicked the final goal of the match to put the game beyond doubt.
Djerrkura, speaking to VFL radio after the game, said: “It was a good win for the boys. We knew it was going to be a hot day and we knew we would need a fast game today, and all the boys had a role to play and they did it really well.
“The midfield boys did a great job and set up all the forwards.”
Roughead shouldered most of the ruck duties and led the midfield brigade, while Matthew Panos held down centre-half back with aplomb and Mitch Wallis was busy with 19 disposals.
Williamstown general manager Brendan Curry was said he was thrilled with the side’s effort to respond when challenged, particularly after the previous week’s gut-wrenching two-point loss to North Ballarat.
“(Coach Peter German) has been talking about blokes stepping up and doing the right thing in the big moments. In the week before we dominated the last quarter and didn’t get it on the scoreboard against North Ballarat,” he said.
“So when Claremont came at us in the third quarter … and to our blokes’ credit, they stood tall and went on to kick the three goals in the last quarter, which we just thought was an outstanding effort.
“To stand up and win the cup, to me that’s great for the confidence of the overall group and the football club.”
