VFL Round 18: Williamstown vs Box Hill Hawks
28th July 2024
By Jaryn Makepeace, Williamstown Media
Williamstown came off a win to face the Hawks at Box Hill City Oval, vying for the crucial sixth spot.
Box Hill started strong, firing three shots on goal, with one successful attempt giving them an early eight-point lead. Their ball movement was impressive, putting Williamstown under immense pressure with every disposal. After another goal from the Hawks, Williamstown finally put a score on the board at the 18-minute mark, but it was only a behind. A stoppage inside Williamstown’s 50 led to Brodie McLaughlin scoring the first major for the Seagulls. However, Box Hill quickly responded, extending their lead to 15 points. Despite Box Hill dominating possession, leading 99 to 55, Williamstown was still in the game at quarter-time, trailing by only 15 points.
Corey Ellison opened the second quarter with his first goal of the day, soon followed by his second, narrowing the lead to three points. Williamstown’s pressure began to match Box Hill’s, but the Hawks managed to kick two consecutive goals. Through run and carry, Box Hill asserted their dominance, adding two more goals before halftime, leading 7.5.47 to 3.2.20.
Box Hill added two early third-quarter goals, making it tougher for Williamstown to catch up. After a few behinds, Nick Ebinger scored Williamstown’s first goal of the third term. Corey Ellison then kicked a crucial goal, reducing the margin to 26 points. Jack Toner celebrated his 50th Williamstown game with a massive goal from the 50-metre arc. Winning another clearance gave the Seagulls momentum, as Corey Ellison kicked his fourth and Williamstown’s third goal in three minutes. Ellison capped off a great quarter for the Seagulls with his fifth goal at the 34-minute mark, reducing the deficit to six points at three-quarter time.
Box Hill regained momentum in the final quarter, kicking two quick goals. Corey Ellison, having a standout day, kicked his sixth goal, narrowing the Hawks’ lead to 13 points. Despite a strong effort to get back into the game, Box Hill’s dominance in the final quarter secured their win.
Corey Ellison was instrumental, kicking six goals in addition to recording 16 disposals. Fortunately, Williamstown remains tied with Southport on points for the sixth spot but trails in percentage. The Seagulls face North Melbourne on Sunday at DSV Stadium in a must-win game.
Final Score
Williamstown: 10.8.68
Box Hill Hawks: 13.12.90
Goals: Corey Ellison 6, Jack Toner 1, Nick Ebinger 1, Noah Gadsby 1, Brodie McLaughlin 1
Best Players: Corey Ellison, Luke Parks, Riley Collier-Dawkins, Jack Toner, Jack Brown, Nick Ebinger
