By Tom Williamson, Williamstown Media
In what was the 84th meeting between the proud standalone clubs, the Round 13 clash at DSV Stadium carried extra significance – not only was it DSV Family Day, but also Williamstown’s Pride Game – and the Gulls didn’t disappoint the home crowd.
Coming off a bye, both sides looked a touch rusty in the early exchanges. The opening term was a tight chess match with limited scoring, but Williamstown eventually broke through thanks to a costly Werribee mistake.
Harry Minton-Connell pounced on the error to kick truly from 45 meters out, registering his first goal of the season and capping off what’s been a terrific fortnight for the utility.
Werribee responded in the second quarter, finally opening their account, but the Gulls answered back swiftly.
Returning forward Lachie Gollant slotted his first of the day thanks to slick ball movement involving Heath Ollington and Brodie McLaughlin.
The Gulls’ midfield intensity started to show, with Toby Triffett breaking through tackles to set up a brilliant running goal by Jack McHale.
By halftime, Williamstown held a slender three-point lead, with both sides locked in a physical, tactical battle.
Werribee came out stronger in the third, capitalising on some ill-discipline from the Gulls to briefly take the lead.
But Williamstown’s trademark pressure and clean handball chains allowed Jack Brown to break free and kick a crucial running goal, steadying the ship.
The Gulls’ backline stood tall in the third, holding Werribee scoreless for much of the term and repeatedly turning defence into attack. However, a late surge from the Tigers saw them snatch the lead heading into the final break.
But Williamstown saved their best for last.
McLaughlin got the ball rolling early in the fourth with a composed finish, and when Tom Mundy snapped truly with a classy check-side, the Gulls hit the front again – and this time, didn’t look back.
Lachie Gollant stamped his authority on the game with two more goals in the final quarter, completing his bag of three and putting the result beyond doubt.
The Gulls surged home with six goals to two in the last, putting the game to bed and further highlighting their elite fitness and relentless pressure.
Final Score:
WILLIAMSTOWN: 1.5 | 4.7 | 7.11 | 13.15 (93)
WERRIBEE: 0.3 | 4.4 | 9.4 | 11.6 (72)
Best Players: Gollant, Mundy, Hall-Kahan, Brown, McLaughlin, Downie
Goal Kickers: Gollant (3), McHale (2), McLaughlin (2), Mundy (2), Brown, Coleman, Ebinger, Minton-Connell
