VFL Round 17: Williamstown vs Richmond
20th July 2024
By Jaryn Makepeace, Williamstown Media
Williamstown remained at DSV Stadium, facing the Richmond Tigers on an extremely wet and windy day. The challenging weather conditions added an extra element to the game, making it difficult for both teams to score.
The game began slowly, with the first score—a behind for Williamstown—occurring at the fifteen-minute mark. The heavy rain impacted play significantly. Richmond managed to score the first major at the 22nd minute through Jacob Bauer, who quickly followed with his second goal. Richmond led by 11 points at quarter-time, while Williamstown had only managed one behind. Both teams struggled with possession and movement, but Richmond was able to push forward and kick two goals.
Williamstown started the second quarter with a chance for a quick goal, but Nathan Colenso was not awarded a mark. The Seagulls dominated possession early in the quarter, eventually kicking their first goal through Jack Brown. Tom Downie added another with a spectacular overhead kick. Williamstown took a one-point lead, and Downie soon added his second goal. Despite several behinds, Nick Ebinger’s goal extended the lead to 16 points. Williamstown dominated the quarter, having 10 shots at goal to Richmond’s zero, but converted only four. The Seagulls led by 19 points at halftime, with Tom Downie excelling with 16 disposals and two goals. Williamstown effectively used the breeze, with 30 inside 50s compared to Richmond’s one.
Richmond started the third quarter well but only managed three behinds. Brodie McLaughlin kicked the first major of the second half, punishing Richmond for failing to capitalise with the wind. Richmond managed a goal after two behinds, but Williamstown maintained a 13-point lead, despite scoring only one goal in the third quarter.
The Tigers made the final quarter interesting by kicking the first goal against the wind. Corey Ellison quickly restored Williamstown’s lead with a left-foot snap, extending the margin to 14 points. Max Philpot secured the win with a massive goal from 50 meters, increasing the lead to 21 points. Will Fordham added another long-distance goal. Richmond kicked a goal just before the siren, but Williamstown secured a 22-point victory.
In challenging conditions, Williamstown’s win moves them to seventh place and keeps them in contention for a top-six spot. Tom Downie’s performance was outstanding, with two goals, 27 touches, 11 clearances, and 70 hitouts, despite the weather being unfavourable for a ruckman. Williamstown now heads to Box Hill in Round 18 to battle the Hawks for a top-six position.
Final Score
Williamstown: 8.10.58
Richmond: 5.6.36
Goals: Tom Downie 2, Max Philpot 1, Nick Ebinger 1, Brodie McLaughlin 1, Corey Ellison 1, Will Fordham 1
Best Players: Tom Downie, Riley Collier-Dawkins, Corey Ellison, Luke Parks, Noah Gadsby, Max Philpot
