By Mark Murray
WILLIAMSTOWN remains undefeated after five Victorian Football League rounds following a thrilling three-point win over the Bendigo Bombers on Sunday.
The Seagulls continue to torment their loyal supporters with nail-biting results, the narrow win coming on the back of two consecutive draws.
They still trailed by 10 points midway through the final term but rallied to hit the lead by less than a kick just on siren time.
Williamstown football manager Bruce Davis said securing a win would do wonders for the team’s self-confidence.
“I think the big thing about having not only a draw, but a couple in a row is you can get a little uncertain,” he said.
“You probably don’t realise how much of an impact it has on the group, so actually winning will do a lot for us.
“And to be able to come from behind will give them a bit of belief and confidence.
“We’re actually unbeaten still so far this year, so we have had a pretty good start, really. We’re sitting fifth so it’s not a bad spot to be in.”
The Seagulls trailed 2.5 to 5.5 at quarter-time break with the Bombers running the ball far better.
But they gradually asserted their authority on the contest with Kane McKenzie rebounding with conviction from defence.
Collingwood-listed players Sam Iles and Ben Davis were both damaging across half back and on the wing respectively.
Young Magpie Nathan Brown also played his best match for Williamstown at centre half back and Andrew Williams was good again.
Collingwood veteran Shane Wakelin also provided plenty of leadership.
“Coming off a bye can be a bad thing sometimes and Gotchy (coach Brad Gotch) made a point of that during the first quarter when they jumped us,” Davis said.
“We probably didn’t team together as well as we would have liked, but we fought through it and started to play some good footy.
“With a young side you get a bit of inconsistency at times and that probably was the case in patches on Sunday.”
The Seagulls face Frankston this week.
Meanwhile, Werribee handed North Ballarat a 100-point thumping at Ballarat on Sunday.
The Tigers were keen to make up for a missed opportunity last week against the Northern Bullants and produced a dominant display that will give them plenty of confidence for their clash with Tasmania this week.
Western Bulldogs-listed trio Mitch Hahn, Jarrod Harbrow and Peter Street all won telling possessions to be high among the best, while Marty Pask also had an impact.
Dom Gleeson again shone out with his workrate and selfless efforts in close while James Podsiadly booted six goals.
Matthew Robbins was also lively with four goals.
