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VFL Semi Final Match Report

October 3, 2024

VFL Semi Final: Williamstown vs Brisbane Lions

7th September 2024

By Jaryn Makepeace, Williamstown Media

Williamstown’s season came to a heartbreaking close in the Semi Final for the second year in a row, falling short to Brisbane in a high-scoring contest at Brighton Homes Arena.

Brisbane set the tone early, kicking the first three goals of the game. Williamstown responded through Corey Ellison’s first goal, but Brisbane quickly struck back with two more, to establish a 27-point lead. The Lions had all the momentum and appeared to be taking control. However, crucial goals from Jack Brown and Corey Rich shifted the momentum, with Williamstown’s forward pressure proving vital. Brodie McLaughlin soared to take a huge mark, kicking his first goal of the game, and Williamstown found themselves trailing by nine points at quarter time.

Brisbane again started strong, kicking the opening goal of the second quarter within the first minute. A brilliant goal from Riley Collier-Dawkins followed, as his forward stoppage dump kick avoided all six players in the goal square. Nathan Colenso took a great mark and found Brodie McLaughlin inside 50, who then kicked his second. Williamstown went coast to coast, with Nick Ebinger getting out the back to bring the Seagulls within four points. Shortly after, Jack Brown kicked an incredible off-balance goal, giving Williamstown their first lead of the game. Williamstown asserted dominance in the second quarter, with Nathan Colenso doing the dangerous thing in taking the advantage off the key forward, but he put it through the big sticks to cap off a strong first half. However, Brisbane responded with two late goals to reclaim the lead, going into halftime with a narrow 9.8.62 to 9.4.58 advantage. The Lions were winning the possession count by 46 at halftime, mainly through their midfield dominance and control at the clearances.

The Seagulls burst out of the blocks in the second half, with Riley Collier-Dawkins’ clearance setting up Corey Ellison for a goal within the first 15 seconds. Williamstown continued to press, with Brodie McLaughlin kicking his third and Nathan Colenso adding his second. McLaughlin kicked another before Brisbane managed to halt the run with a goal of their own. However, Williamstown quickly answered back as Corey Ellison kicked his third and McLaughlin added yet another, pushing the lead out to 24 points. Williamstown’s pressure in the third quarter lifted the team, giving supporters hope for a Preliminary Final appearance. Although Brisbane started to build momentum again, their inaccuracy cost them as they kicked 2.4, while Ellison slotted his fourth before the end of the quarter.

Brisbane came out firing in the final quarter, kicking three consecutive goals to regain the lead by four points. Two more goals from Harry Sharp saw Brisbane pull away, extending their lead to 15 points. Will Fordham kept the Seagulls in the contest with a crucial goal to narrow the gap to 10 points, but Brisbane responded with their sixth team goal for the quarter. Despite Brodie McLaughlin’s best efforts, kicking his sixth goal of the day and his fourteenth across the final’s series, it wasn’t enough as Brisbane sealed the game. The final scores were 19.16.130 to 18.5.113, with the Seagulls ultimately succumbing to the Queensland heat.

It was a valiant effort from Williamstown in what was a rollercoaster season, but unfortunately, their 2024 journey ends here. With a young and talented squad, the Seagulls have every chance of returning to finals action in 2025.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to our incredible Seagulls community for their pride and passion throughout the 2024 VFL season. From our dedicated staff, players, and partners to our amazing volunteers and loyal supporters – your tireless work and endless support make everything we do possible. We hope you enjoyed the season, and we can’t wait to see you all next year.

Final Score

Williamstown: 18.5.113

Brisbane Lions: 19.16.130

Goals: Brodie McLaughlin 6, Corey Ellison 4, Nathan Colenso 2, Jack Brown 2, Corey Rich 1, Will Fordham 1, Nick Ebinger 1, Riley Collier-Dawkins 1

Best Players: Brodie McLaughlin, Joel Fitzgerald, Corey Ellison, Nathan Colenso, Jake Greiser, Jack Brown

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