By Ben Ford
Toby Triffett put the first set of points on the board, before Kallan Dawson, Heath Ollington and Brayden Preuss all followed, making it four early goal for Willamstown.
Ollington produced the highlight of the opening term with a huge long bomb from outside 50.
Scoring then stalled as Carlton fought hard defensively, but Dawson delivered another crucial late goal to give Williamstown five for the term.
A sign of the Seagulls’ early dominance was their 10-1 advantage in scoring shots. Williamstown entered the second quarter hoping to limit the damage while kicking against the wind. Instead, they just continued to find ways to score and firmly set up the victory.
Goals from Max Philpott, Angus Seivers, Braydon Preuss and Josh D’Intinosante meant Williamstown continued to find the scoreboard despite Carlton having the breeze.
The Seagulls’ lead stretched beyond 40 points as Williamstown not only survived the quarter against the wind, but continued to control the contest.
By half-time, the Seagulls had taken complete control of the game, producing one of Williamstown’s most impressive quarters of the season, particularly given the difficult conditions.
Kallan Dawson and Braydon Preuss continued to provide strong targets inside 50, with their height, strength and marking ability giving Williamstown a consistent presence in attack. The Seagulls carried a commanding 37-point advantage into the main break.
With the wind returning to Williamstown’s backs in the third quarter, the Seagulls had an opportunity to put the finishing touches on the contest. They did exactly that.
Bailey Ryan got involved with two goals before Josh D’Intinosante added another major with a brilliant snap. Angus Seivers then joined the scoring with a clever dribbling goal to finish the third term.
By the final change, Williamstown had established a commanding advantage and was firmly in control of the contest.
Williamstown was heading to an Elimination Final, and their season would continue.
Carlton dominated periods of the final quarter, but Williamstown had done enough to secure the victory. Bailey Ryan added another excellent goal, while Dawson continued his outstanding afternoon as the Seagulls capped off a brilliant finals performance.
Through the middle, Jake Greiser continued his excellent form with 21 disposals, while David Cunningham provided strong support with 16. The pair played important roles in Williamstown’s midfield, helping the Seagulls maintain control around the contest.
Dawson’s incredible late-season form also continued. Having kicked 14 goals across his previous four matches, Dawson once again proved a dominant presence inside 50. His strength, marking and confidence made him a constant threat and a key contributor to Williamstown’s finals victory.
After a 38-point Wildcard win, Williamstown is officially through to the Elimination Final and into the traditional finals series.
Next up is a return trip to Windy Hill, where the Seagulls will face Essendon at 12:05pm.
Full Time Score
Williamstown: 19.7 (121)
Frankston: 12.11 (83)
Goalkickers: Dawson (5), Ryan (4), Preuss (2), Seivers (2), D’Intinosante (2), Triffett, Ollington, Philpot, Jacobs
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