Williamstown vs Casey
5th May 2024
By Jaryn Makepeace, Williamstown Media
The Seagulls made the journey to Casey Fields for a Sunday afternoon clash against the Demons. With favourable conditions and a determination to ascend the ladder, Williamstown aimed for a crucial victory.
Casey set the tone early by kicking the first two goals within minutes. Despite Williamstown’s efforts, they managed only four points before finding their footing with a goal at the 25-minute mark, thanks to Darby Henderson’s set shot. Jack Toner had the ball on a string in the first quarter, with 12 disposals. Williamstown led the first 10 to 6.
The second quarter started with a quick goal from the Seagulls, courtesy of none other than Jack Toner, adding another to his resumé. Corey Ellison capitalised on a seamless play, converting a goal after Riley Collier-Dawkins broke through the stoppage, finding Ellison in prime position. Williamstown surged to a 23-point lead before Casey retaliated, yet Jovan Petric maintained the Seagulls’ lead with a set shot. Casey managed to add one more goal before halftime, bringing the score to 36 for Williamstown and 21 for Casey.
Casey earned the first goal of the second half, but it was quickly matched by a skilful goal from Corey Ellison. Casey then piled on three goals in a row giving themselves a four-point lead. Yet, Corey Ellison once again responded quickly for Williamstown, flipping the lead back in their favour. A strong quarter for Casey put them ahead 54 to 48 at three-quarter time.
Casey continued their momentum by scoring the first goal of the final quarter, putting more pressure on the Seagulls. However, Corey Ellison’s impressive pack mark in the goal square resulted in him narrowing the lead with a goal of his own. Nick Ebinger followed up with a brilliant smother before executing a perfect check side punt to put the Seagulls in front.
Brodie McLaughlin, in his first game back from injury, then slotted an excellent goal from the boundary. Jack Brown added to the Seagulls’ tally with their fourth consecutive goal before Brodie McLaughlin replicated his earlier success by kicking his second goal for the game from the same spot.
Williamstown then went on a goal scoring spree, with Jovan Petric slotting two in a row. Their momentum didn’t wane as Brodie McLaughlin kicked his third for the game, courtesy of great ball movement from the back half. Casey managed to halt the onslaught momentarily with a goal of their own. Once again, Williamstown showcased their knack for prolific goal-scoring, in their eight-goal last quarter to clinch the match and jump to second on the ladder.
Tom Downie ended the day with an impressive 26 touches and 54 hit outs, earning himself Seagull of the Week. Corey Ellison also had a great game with 4 goals and 21 disposals. While Brodie McLaughlin wasn’t able to hit the scoreboard right until the final term, his seamless return to the team’s synergy suggests that we can expect to see more of his talent in the coming weeks.
Final Score
Williamstown: 15.10.100
Casey: 10.8.68
Goals: Corey Ellison 4, Jovan Petric 3, Brodie McLaughlin 3, Jack Toner 1, Noah Gadsby 1, Nick Ebinger 1, Jack Brown 1, Darby Henderson 1.
Best Players: Tom Downie, Corey Ellison, Luke Parks, Will Fordham, Riley Collier-Dawkins and Brodie McLaughlin.
