VFLwilliam_82615: Justin Sherman kicked the final goal of the match to put scores level. 82615_21 Picture: DAMAIN VISENTINI
By MICHAEL ESPOSITO
WILLIAMSTOWN was involved one of the most remarkable games of the season on Sunday, when it came back from 41 points early in the fourth term to record a draw against Frankston.
The Dolphins looked a certainty to cause one of the biggest upsets of the season, something they’ve been threatening to do for a while, but the Seagulls kicked seven goals straight to snag two premiership points.
Williamstown played error-riddled footy for large periods of the match, but still almost came away with the win. The Seagulls had five more scoring shots but had to settle with the 13.14 (92) to 14.8 (92) scoreline.
On one hand Williamstown was lucky to steal a draw, but on the other hand too many silly mistakes cost the side victory.
Coach Peter German has said several times this season that one had to expect some inconsistency in such a young group.
And Williamstown certainly have been a team capable of producing wildly fluctuating form in matches.
Against Geelong and Bendigo, Williamstown allowed its opposition to get a big lead, only to lift a notch and whittle it down to lose by a narrow margin.
Against Box Hill last week, Williamstown surrendered a five-goal lead early in the game to lose by a goal.
Williamstown in bursts is still one of the most exciting teams to watch, but the inexperienced side has only shown the type of form it is capable of in patches.
Tom Campbell returned from injury and was Williamstown’s best player. His role in the ruck is crucial for Williamstown given the side has been sorely lacking in that area since Western Bulldogs coach Brendon McCartney has chosen to play four talls (Liam Jones, Jordan Roughead, Will Minson and Ayce Cordy) on a regular basis.
Matthew Panos kicked four goals while Ben Jolley and Cameron Lockwood were busy.
Meanwhile, Werribee shot up to third on the table, three spots above Williamstown, with a crushing victory against Sandringham.
After a tight first quarter, Werribee was ruthlessly effective and kicked on to win by 89 points.
The Tigers began to take control in the second quarter, kicking six goals to one to post a 26-point lead at the main break.
In the second half Werribee unsettled Sandringham by scoring early in the third and fourth quarters.
Ben Warren kicked two early goals in the third term, which seemed to deflate the Saints, even though they did peg two back in a flat quarter of footy.
Ben Ross all but sealed the deal by bursting out of the pack and converting four minutes into the last quarter, and that’s when the floodgates opened.
Warren, Robbie Castello, Nathan Ablett and Lachie Hansen scored goals in quick succession.
Werribee coach Scott West said it was one Werribee’s most complete performances to date.
Williamstown 13.14 (92) drew with Frankston 14.8 (92)
Goals: Williamstown: M. Panos 4, J. Sherman 2. Frankston: K. Haretuku 3, D. Van Unen 2.
Best: Williamstown: T. Campbell, N. Djerrkura. Frankston: S. Hockey, L. Delahunty.
