By Ben Ford
Played in front of Williamstown’s biggest home crowd of the season, including a large travelling cohort from Tasmania, it was a warm Saturday afternoon that delivered one of the most dramatic finishes seen at DSV Stadium in recent years.
Josh D’Intinosante etched his name into history by kicking Williamstown’s first-ever goal against Tasmania, before the Seagulls settled into the contest and added three majors in the opening term.
Kallan Dawson made an immediate impact, while debutant Mitch Toner created one of the highlights of the afternoon. The younger brother of Jack Toner became the latest member of the “first kick, first goal” club after receiving a handball from Dawson and calmly running into an open goal.
The talented 17-year-old showed enormous promise in his first appearance in blue and gold.
Another encouraging sign came from Alex Mirkov, who continued his strong form in the ruck with a dominant display around the stoppages. Bailey Ryan also produced a courageous contested mark late in the opening term to help preserve Williamstown’s 10-point advantage at the first break.
Williamstown continued its strong start early in the second quarter when D’Intinosante converted after a superb overhead mark.
The Seagulls’ forward line continued to provide a strong target throughout the afternoon, with Conor Willis making the most of his opportunities by kicking two goals during the quarter. The aerial strength of Kallan Dawson, D’Intinosante and Willis created plenty of scoreboard pressure and helped Williamstown maintain control.
Despite momentum shifting late in the term, the Seagulls headed into halftime with plenty of confidence after a strong opening half.
Nathan Colenso and Max Philpot added goals in the third quarter as Williamstown looked to regain control of the contest.
Colenso continued to prove dangerous around goal, while Philpot provided an important contribution as the Seagulls worked hard to withstand Tasmania’s pressure.
The contest became a true arm wrestle as the afternoon progressed, with Toby Triffett and Jack Toner among the standout contributors around the ground.
After Tasmania regained the lead late in the third quarter, Williamstown entered the final term needing another response.
The fourth quarter quickly became a battle of pressure and composure. The Seagulls controlled territory early but struggled to convert their opportunities, with every possession becoming increasingly important.
With five minutes remaining, Josh D’Intinosante provided a crucial spark, reducing the margin to six points with his second goal of the afternoon.
Then came the moment of the match.
Nathan Colenso produced one of Williamstown’s goals of the season, launching a magnificent kick from beyond 50 metres to level the scores and send DSV Stadium into a frenzy.
With the game hanging in the balance, David Cuningham stood tall when his team needed him most.
The midfielder launched a brilliant goal from outside 50 to level the scores before winning another crucial clearance and driving the ball deep inside forward 50.
Waiting there was Angus Seivers.
Just one week after a heartbreaking finish against Sydney, Seivers found himself with another opportunity to decide the game. This time, he made no mistake.
The young forward calmly converted to put Williamstown six points ahead before the final siren sounded, sparking jubilant celebrations around DSV Stadium.
For Seivers, it was the ultimate redemption moment. For Williamstown, it was a breakthrough victory in a close finish after several narrow defeats throughout the season.
Several Seagulls produced standout performances in the historic win, with Alex Mirkov dominant in the ruck, David Cuningham influential in the final moments, Nathan Colenso finishing with three goals, and Josh D’Intinosante also contributing with two majors.
Williamstown now heads into its final bye of the season before beginning the run home with a crucial clash against Sandringham at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval.
The Seagulls will look to build on this unforgettable comeback as they continue their push for a strong finish to the season.
Full Time Score
Williamstown: 13.14 (92)
Tasmania: 11.20 (86)
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