By LIAM TWOMEY
WILLIAMSTOWN has established itself as a VFL premiership favourite after thrashing Werribee by 83 points on Sunday.
In what was built as a blockbuster clash between the competition’s leading teams, the Seagulls flew out of the blocks with six first quarter goals and never looked back.
Adversely, Werribee had to wait until the early stages of the second quarter, before the Tigers registered their first of just five goals throughout the day.
After admitting he was surprised by the 19.15 (129) to 5. 16 (46) win, Williamstown coach Peter German applauded the work rate of his playing group.
“We had a game plan that was going to be really demanding, and I guess my concern was going to be whether we could play that way for four quarters,” German said.
“In the end, it was a demanding game. You could see at the end that both sides were pretty spent.
“I couldn’t have been any more pleased with the way we went about it.”
Patrick Veszpremi was outstanding for the Seagulls and raced to double figure disposals in the first quarter after starting the match on a wing.
He went on to be equally as damaging on the scoreboard, booting three goals to the delight of his coach.
“Pat was initially to start as a half forward, but the way the match ups worked, all of a sudden in the first minute of the game he found himself on a wing.
“To look and see that he had nearly 37 touches is great for Pat. He is working hard, so hopefully that is something that really gives him some great confidence going forward.”
Willie Wheeler and Ben Jolley were also solid contributors for Williamstown while big man Cameron Wood continued his impressive start to the season at his new club, booting three goals.
For Werribee, on a day without many highlights, Ben Brown fought on valiantly in the Tigers’ forward line to kick two of his side’s five goals.
“It was really disappointing all round,” head coach Scott West said.
“Full credit to Willy, they just totally outworked us. They won the stoppages and not only did they win it but they were able to get outside the stoppage and spread us.
“Their work rate was just twice or three times what ours was, and you just can’t be out worked like that.”
The weekend’s results see Williamstown move into the VFL ladder’s top four while Werribee drop to fifth spot.
When round four gets underway on Saturday, the Seagulls will take on Casey and Werribee will meet Sandringham.
West is confident his players will be able to find their best form for the clash against the Zebras.
“Sometimes you will let it go, but I think you do (review the game),” West said.
“It will probably be more individually. Why this guy can get so far away when you stood together only five seconds ago.
“I think you have to go over it, but it is one of those ones where you hope it is a blip on the radar and you get on with next week and play well again.”
