Williamstown has much to reflect on its 150th anniversary celebration, but the Seagulls are looking to add a lasting exclamation point.
The competition’s oldest club moved a step closer to achieving its best possible celebration when it delivered one of the most extraordinary comebacks in recent history in last week’s Semi Final victory.
Seemingly down for the proverbial eight count, Williamstown dug deep and remarkably ran away from arch rival Werribee.
The Seagull’s stunning 9.5 to 0.1 last quarter blitz catapulted it from a 32-point three-quarter time deficit to a 24-point victory and into the Preliminary Final against reigning premiers Box Hill Hawks.
While it was in contrast to its disappointing final quarter against Footscray a week earlier, Williamstown’s belief has never been greater in capping its inaugural standalone season with a premiership.
But, Box Hill Hawks present a formidable challenge especially with an influx of Hawthorn AFL Listed players into its team that comprehensively defeated one-time flag favourite Port Melbourne in the Qualifying Final.
Billy Hartung and Angus Litherland, who missed the VFL Hawks Qualifying Final success when they played for Hawthorn in the final AFL home and away season, are expected to play. Neither played in Hawthorn’s Qualifying Final win.
Key interest has centred on ruck man Ben McEvoy, who will this weekend play for Box Hill Hawks in the Preliminary Final.
McEvoy was pivotal in Box Hill Hawk’s victory against Port Melbourne in the Qualifying Final, and will cause problems for Williamstown in their matchups.
Williamstown will have to find a way to defeat Box Hill Hawks, which twice defeated them during the home and away season.
The VFL Hawks won by 13-points in a season opener of sorts back on March 29 at Point Gellibrand in a match that Jonathon Ceglar and Matt Spanger played. Both will be missing this weekend.
In its return match, Box Hill Hawks again prevailed, this time by 21-points in Round 10 at the Box Hill City Oval. Significantly, McEvoy played in that match as did Jonathon Simpkin and Will Langford, who won’t play in the Preliminary Final.
The Seagulls must find a way to apply constant scoreboard pressure. They kicked 10 and 11-goals in its two games against Box Hill Hawks this season.
And, its nine goal last quarter haul against Werribee was three more than it kicked in the first three quarters.
Williamstown must also find a way to subdue Box Hill Hawks talls ‘Frosty’ Miller medallist Sam Grimley, McEvoy and possibly his brother Peter and Luke Lowden, who kicked 11 goals against Port Melbourne.
What is in its favour is that defenders Dave Fahey and Peter Faulks were good against Werribee. Much again will rest of Seagulls captain Ben Jolley, live-wire Kane Lambert and Adam Marcon.
Their battle with Liston Trophy winners Mitch Hallahan and Alex Woodward as well as Sam Iles will prove decisive.
Will a full stop be put next to Williamstown anniversary celebrations or will the exclamation point be kept alive for another week?
Don’t dare think the Seagulls can’t continue to soar.
WHEN: Sunday September 14, 2:10pm
WHERE: North Port Oval
Last Modified on 11/09/2014 11:53