By Ben Ford
Ahead of the game, the proposition for the Seagulls was simple: win or go home. Williamstown had to defeat Frankston to confirm its place in the Wildcard picture and keep its season alive.
The team had even more motivation with Toby Triffett playing his 100th VFL game. However, the Seagulls received some late changes before the opening bounce, with Braydon Preuss and David Cuningham withdrawing. Bailey Ryan and Josh Hamilton came into the side as their replacements.
Despite the late changes, Williamstown got exactly the start it needed.
Nathan Colenso and Angus Seivers kicked two quick goals as the Seagulls immediately put pressure on Frankston. The 100-gamer, Toby Triffett, was also heavily involved early, collecting five disposals and two clearances through the middle as the home crowd remained vocal.
Bailey Ryan made an immediate impact after his late inclusion, kicking two goals for the quarter, with his second coming from a bouncing snap to help Williamstown take a 10-point lead into the first break.
The second quarter began at a frantic pace, with Nathan Colenso finishing off a strong passage of play to give the Seagulls back the lead.
Angus Seivers’ strong marking in the goal square continued to provide Williamstown with an important target inside 50. Alex Mirkov also worked hard in the ruck as the Seagulls continued to battle through the middle of the ground.
Frankston carried momentum into the third quarter, with Williamstown struggling to score for much of the term. The Seagulls’ possession became less consistent as the opposition pressure increased, leaving Williamstown needing someone to change the game.
Then came the final five minutes.
Josh D’Intinosante opened the floodgates with an important goal, providing the spark Williamstown needed. Angus Seivers, Kallan Dawson and Nathan Colenso all joined the surge as the Seagulls slammed through a run of goals to completely flip the contest.
After spending much of the quarter struggling to generate scoring opportunities, Williamstown suddenly carried its biggest lead of the afternoon into the final change. With its season on the line, the Seagulls had found another gear.
The final quarter couldn’t have started any better for the Blue and Gold. Lachlan Wilson produced a brilliant snap to continue the momentum before the Seagulls turned their late third-quarter surge into a dominant final term.
Bailey Ryan was forced from the field after a heavy hit, while Diesel Moloney provided another highlight with his first goal after another strong passage of play from Williamstown.
From there, the Seagulls continued to build their lead, piling on five consecutive goals as Angus Seivers kicked his fifth of the afternoon.
Williamstown had responded with one of its strongest second-half performances of the year, and Nathan Colenso provided the perfect conclusion, kicking a goal after the siren to complete a 42-point victory and send the Blue and Gold into the Wildcard weekend.
For Angus Seivers, the transformation over the closing stages of the season has been remarkable. Ever since kicking the match-winner against Tasmania, Seivers has continued to build his impact, producing one of his strongest performances of the season in the final round.
Seivers finished with five goals and six contested marks, providing a consistent target inside 50 and playing a key role in Williamstown’s second-half surge.
Toby Triffett also made sure his 100th VFL appearance was one to remember. The milestone man finished with 32 disposals and 14 clearances, playing a major role through the middle and helping ensure Williamstown’s season would continue for at least another week.
With the weekend’s results now complete, Williamstown’s Wildcard opponent is officially locked in. The Seagulls will welcome Carlton to DSV Stadium on Saturday, August 22 at 11:00am.
After entering the final round with its season hanging by a thread, Williamstown has earned another week of football.
Now, it’s time for September.
Full Time Score
Williamstown: 16.14 (110)
Frankston: 10.8 (68)
Goalkickers: Seivers (5), Colenso (4), Ryan (2), D’Intinosante (2), Dawson
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