By LIAM TWOMEY
WILLIAMSTOWN produced one of its best performances of the Victorian Football League season to smash Port Melbourne by 87 points on Saturday. The incredible result means the Seagulls progress to the competition’s preliminary final and take on flag favourites Geelong for a spot in the biggest game of the year.
Rewind to before the start of play though, and jumping another week through the finals series looked like it would be anything but easy.
After losing to the Box Hill Hawks in their first final, Williamstown was forced to take on the might of Port Melbourne at the Borough’s home ground, North Port Oval.
However, once the ball was bounced, reputation took a back seat to reality.
Williamstown dominated the match from start to finish to seal the 27.14 (176) to 14.5 (89) win.
Picking the best players was one of the hardest tasks of the day for the Seagulls with Jack Johnstone, William Wheeler and Ben Jolley all outstanding.
Up forward, Jason Tutt kicked a bag of five goals while Patrick Veszpremi, Anthony Anastasio, Ben Casley, Ed Carr, and Fletcher Roberts were all multiple goal kickers.
On what was a tough day at the office for Port Melbourne, Julian Rowe finished with six goals and was named his side’s best player.
Williamstown now turns its attention to a date with the Cats at North Port Oval this week.
The two sides met twice during the home-and-away season, with Geelong victorious both times by eight and 49 points respectively.
While Williamstown was dismantling Port Melbourne, the Cats were enjoying a week off after defeating Casey in the qualifying final.
The senior result wasn’t the only good news for Williamstown, with the Seagulls also enjoying a day out in the development competition.
Played earlier in the day, Williamstown again smashed Port Melbourne to the tune of 96 points, 22.12 (144) to 6.12 (48).
Sean Hetherington, Anton Woods and Josh Bench were all outstanding in the win, while Dylan Conway was the Seagulls’ leading goal scorer with four.
The result sees Williamstown progress to the Development League grand final this week.
