VFL Wildcard Final: Williamstown vs Richmond
25th August 2024
By Jaryn Makepeace, Williamstown Media
On a windy day at DSV Stadium, the Seagulls came out firing to secure their spot in the second Elimination Final with a commanding win over Richmond.
The gusty conditions led to some remarkable goals, the first of which came from Jack Greiser, who launched a 60-meter bomb that nearly cleared the back fence – a memorable way to score his first goal of the season. The floodgates opened as Nick Ebinger found space out the back, and Jack Brown capitalised on a helicopter of a ball into the forward line from Luke Parks, slotting a composed set shot. The Seagulls kept piling on the pressure, with goals coming in waves from Brodie McLaughlin, Liam Conway, and Will Fordham. Just before the quarter-time siren, Ebinger struck again, curling a lovely left-foot snap in front of the roaring Williamstown faithful, putting the Seagulls 45 points ahead.
Richmond responded first in the second term, appearing poised to use the wind to their advantage, but Williamstown’s relentless pressure kept them at bay. McLaughlin booted his second major, giving the Seagulls their first goal of the quarter. Although Richmond managed to narrow the gap, Toby Triffett and McLaughlin’s third goal extended Williamstown’s lead to 50 points by halftime.
The Tigers came out strong against the wind in the third quarter, but Corey Ellison quickly answered with a brilliant goal. Jack Toner, who was already having a standout game, added to the tally with a goal from a tight angle. McLaughlin’s fourth major, followed by a debut goal from second-gamer Lucas Impey and another from Toner, made the Tigers’ comeback attempt all but impossible. The Seagulls entered the final term with a dominant 67-point lead.
Richmond opened the fourth quarter with a goal, mirroring their efforts in the previous terms, but it wasn’t enough to spark a comeback. Corey Rich and Jack Toner, with his third goal in just the second half, kept the scoreboard ticking for Williamstown. Jack Brown’s final goal of the match sealed the Seagulls’ victory and their spot in another final.
Jack Toner was the standout performer, racking up 30 possessions and kicking three crucial goals. With their early season form now regained, the Seagulls advance to face Box Hill in an Elimination Final at Box Hill City Oval on Saturday at 3.00pm.
Final Score
Williamstown: 18.12.120
Richmond: 7.12.54
Goals: Brodie McLaughlin 4, Jack Toner 3, Nick Ebinger 2, Jack Brown 2, Corey Rich 1, Corey Ellison 1, Liam Conway 1, Will Fordham 1, Jack Greiser 1, Lucas Impey 1 and Toby Triffett 1
Best Players: Jack Toner, Brodie McLaughlin, Blake Coleman, Corey Ellison, Tom Downie, Jake Greiser
