VFL Round 2: Williamstown vs Coburg
29th March 2024
By Jaryn Makepeace, Williamstown Media
Williamstown took the chocolates in an absolute thriller on Good Friday.
The sun was out at Highgate Recreation Reserve in Craigieburn as the Seagulls looked to go 2-0.
The Seagulls kicked against a slight breeze for the first quarter. Will Fordham earned a free kick for being held which set up Jovan Petric for the Seagulls first goal following the Lions two straight goals. Finn O’Dwyer showed great courage with massive spoil which stopped an almost certain goal from the Lions. Blake Coleman displayed some fantastic forward craft as he slotted Williamstown’s second. Collier-Dawkins showed great vision setting up Jack Toner who kicked the Seagulls third which put us in the lead. The first quarter finished, and the scores were level at 20 a piece. Will Fordham was everywhere early with team high 8 disposals in the first quarter.
Toby Triffett earned a free kick and snuck in the Seagulls first goal of the second quarter. Finn O’Dwyer held down the fort down in the backline which led to a great transition for Nick Ebinger to slot his first. After a quiet second quarter for both teams – only four goals late in the quarter, the Seagulls led 5.7.37 to 5.3.33 at half-time.
Corey Rich took the advantage by storming away from the contest which set up Ebinger who nailed the first goal of the second half and his second for the game. Starting with the explosiveness from skipper, Cameron Polson, the Seagulls transitioned seamlessly down the wing which set up Coleman for big hanger just outside the goal square, who then kicked his second. Three quarter time and the Seagulls were just in front by a goal – 7.8.50 to 6.8.44.
Great stoppage handballs by Riley Collier-Dawkins and Will Fordham gave Stoddart a chance to bang it inside 50, which led to great crumbing and then a fantastic dribble from Blake Coleman who kicked his third. Great transition from the Seagulls gave Corey Ellison the chance to kick a monster goal. Will Fordham with great vision to Liam Conway who set up Nick Ebinger for a snap from 45 metres out on the boundary for his third. Ellison capitalised on dropped mark by Coburg as he handballed to Triffet for the goal. A big scare from the Lions, Gadsby got the clearance, dumped it on the boot to Jack Toner who kicked a goal on the siren bringing a wave of relief to Williamstown.
Joel Fitzgerald and Finn O’Dwyer were prolific in the backline gathering 27 disposals each and 17 combined marks. Will Fordham and Riley Collier-Dawkins were also dominate in the middle with 27 touches to Will Fordham and 26 for Riley Collier-Dawkins.
Final Score
Williamstown: 3.2, 5.7, 7.8, 12.11 (83)
Coburg: 3.2, 5.3, 6.8, 11.11 (77)
Goals:
Corey Ellison 1, Jovan Petric 1, Toby Triffett 2, Jack Toner 2, Blake Coleman 3, Nick Ebinger 3.
Best Players:
Finn O’Dwyer, Blake Coleman, Joel Fitzgerald, Jack Toner, Max Philpot, Nicholas Ebinger.
