By Tom Williamson, Williamstown Media
After a scrappy start to the game, Essendon struck first with the opening two goals.
However, Williamstown quickly responded, as sharp ball movement from Jack Brown and Liam Conway out of the backline set up Noah Gadsby for the Seagulls’ first major.
Making the most of their limited opportunities, Williamstown converted 13 inside-50s from just 56 disposals. The efficiency helped shift the momentum, with third year Seagull Colenso slotting a crucial goal to give the Seagulls a two-point lead at the first break.
Early in the second quarter, Williamstowns link-up play led to a well-worked goal for Vice-Captain Jack Toner. Yet, Essendon capitalised on their attacking end advantage, increasing their pressure and forcing Williamstowns defenders onto the back foot.
Joel Fitzgerald stood tall with seven marks, but the Bombers’ relentless forward entries – 17 inside-50s to Williamstown’s seven – allowed them to establish a 17-point lead at halftime.
The Seagulls came out firing in the third, with Harry Minton-Connell showing composure down back and helping to rebound the football.
A fast, direct passage of play saw Jovan Petric curl home a brilliant goal from the pocket, setting the tone for a Williamstown fightback.
Although Essendon quickly responded, back-to-back goals from Colenso and Hall-Kahan, fuelled by midfield dominance, swung the momentum in the Seagulls’ favour.
Williamstown controlled the stoppages, winning clearances 27-19 in the third term, thanks to the hard work of Cousins and Hall-Kahan, who combined for 14 disposals and four clearances in the quarter.
A seven-goal-to-two blitz saw Williamstown surge to a 14-point lead heading into the final term.
However, the Bombers stormed home in the last quarter, dictating the play and limiting Williamstown’s scoring opportunities.
A late goal from McLaughlin, set up by some quick hands from Toner, provided a glimmer of hope, but Essendon’s five-goal final term sealed the result. Despite the valiant effort, the Seagulls fell just short, going down by 11 points.
Hugo Hall-Kahan caught plenty of attention with a rousing blue and gold debut, racking up 25 disposals and capping off his performance with a brilliant goal from the middle.
James Cousins was also influential, collecting 24 disposals and applying strong defensive pressure with four tackles.
The goals were well distributed among the team, with nine different contributors. Nathan Colenso led the charge with three goals, while Brodie McLaughlin added two.
Williamstown will now turn their attention to next week’s clash against the GWS GIANTS in Sydney, looking to notch their first win of the season.
Final Score:
WILLIAMSTOWN 2.4 | 4.6 | 11.9 | 12.11 (83)
ESSENDON 2.2 | 7.5 | 9.7 | 14.10 (94)
Best Players: Hall-Kahan, Cousins, Parks, Fitzgerald, Colenso
Goal Kickers: Colenso (3), McLaughlin (2), Gadsby, Hall-Kahan, Impey, Noonan, Petric, Polson, Toner
