Williamstown’s James Wall wins this ruck contest. 83813_05 Picture: DAMIAN VISENTINI
By MICHAEL ESPOSITO
WILLIAMSTOWN broke a four-game winless streak with a dominant 48-point win against Collingwood on Sunday.
The Seagulls jumped back into the eight and celebrated their first victory at the newly renovated Burbank Oval.
The Seagulls had 23 more scoring shots than Collingwood but were far too wasteful for coach Peter German’s liking, especially since wayward kicking had perhaps cost Williamstown its previous two games.
Dylan Conway was a case in point. He impressed with his tireless work ethic and ability to create opportunities, but his return of 2.6 didn’t reflect his input.
Nevertheless, there was a lot to like about the performance that put Williamstown back on the winners’ list.
Western Jet Charlie Nastasi, in his first game for Williamstown, kicked two first quarter goals, while Anthony Anastasio backed up his reserves game that morning with a solid contribution for the seniors after Brodie Moles was a last-minute exclusion.
James Wall was Williamstown’s best player and performed his role as a versatile tall superbly. He held his own against Collingwood ruckman Cameron Wood, kicked an important goal in the second quarter when the game was in the balance and worked himself into the ground at both ends of the park.
The Seagulls stood firm when Collingwood threatened to break the game open in the second quarter.
Robbie Tarrant sprayed an opportunity to kick his third goal and put Collingwood in front, and Conway responded with a 50m goal, followed by a goal to Liam Jones.
Williamstown went into the main break with a 15-point lead and extended that to 44 points with a dominant third term.
Williamstown’s forward pressure was relentless as Matthew Panos and Anastasio both kicked two goals to give the Seagulls some breathing space.
The home side laid 33 tackles and kicked 6.6 in the premiership quarter to deflate the Pies.
The fourth quarter lacked any real spark as both teams tired.
Brett Goodes came off to ice a corked thigh but returned to the ground late in the game.
Williamstown has a bye this weekend and will take on Western rival and Foxtel Cup grand finalist Werribee at Burbank Oval on 22 July.
Williamstown 18.22 (118) d Collingwood 11.4 (70).
Goals: Williamstown: L. Jones 3, C. Nastasi 2. Collingwood: R. Tarrant 4, T. Sundberg 2.
Best: Williamstown: J. Wall, J. Johannisen. Collingwood: P. Cribbin, C. Tarrant.
