Chat about the Seagulls
It should be really good for Williamstown. While he may not draw the sort of crowds that Nathan Buckley got through the turnstiles, it should nonetheless bolster the crowd significantly (assuming the weather is decent!).
The Williamstown Football Club will play 2 Intra Club Matches and 3 Practice Matches during March.
Intra Club Match
Date: Friday 5th March
Game Time: 5:30pm
Venue: Whitten Oval
Intra Club Match
Date: Friday 12th March
Game Time: 5:30pm
Venue: Whitten Oval
Williamstown V Sandringham
Date: Friday 19th March
Game Time: Reserves 6pm Seniors 4pm
Venue: Whitten Oval
Williamstown V Box Hill
Date: Friday 26th March
Game Time: Reserves 6pm Seniors 4pm
Venue: Whitten Oval
Williamstown V Coburg
Date: Saturday 3rd April
Game Time: Reserves 11:10am Seniors 2pm
Venue: Whitten Oval
Williamstown Football Club heads into the Christmas break having contracted 33 players which includes 14 new players to the Seagulls.
19 Players from the 2009 list have recommitted to Williamstown which includes team leaders Brett Johnson and Ben Jolley. Regular Senior players Matthew Little, David Stretton, Ben Davies and Cameron Lockwood are on board in 2010 and a group of players who have been around the mark at senior level in the past including Luke Cartelli, Matthew Cravino, Matthew Grossman, Dean Muir, Michael Tanner and Josh Young now have the chance to play more regular senior football.
Developing players Dylan Ayton, Nick Di Martino, Jordan Florance, Jacob Graham, Richard Knight, Trent Lee and Nathan Uren will all be endeavouring to cement permanent positions at Reserves level which will hopefully lead to senior opportunities.
The promising Dane Rampe who completed the pre-season with the Western Bulldogs will return to Melbourne in the New Year from Sydney and will look to cement himself in the Senior side whilst Chris Egan is still endeavouring to prove his fitness to retain his spot on the Williamstown List in 2010.
The most pleasing aspect of this pre-season has been the acquisition of exciting youngsters from TAC Cup Clubs, country Victoria and the Amateurs. From the Western Jets Michael Fogarty, Dion Lawson and Tyler Healy join the Seagulls and from the Sandringham Dragons come Jack Purton-Smith and Kwame McHarg. Jye Sandiford and Brian Fenton join Williamstown from the Bendigo Pioneers and Adam Marangon has been an impressive recruit from Old Melbournians. Key recruit will be Peter Faulks from the Casey Scorpions who established himself as one of the best key defenders in the competition and Tom German will add to our midfield strength joining the club after a season on Essendon’s Rookie List.
Jake Wilson is an impressive young forward from Portland who has settled into Melbourne whilst Hayden Armstrong is a developing young tall from Marist College in the ACT. Phil Smith and Jake De Sousa join Williamstown from rival VFL Clubs Box Hill and Coburg. Smith came through the successful Calder Cannons program before a season with the Brisbane Lions as a Rookie in 2008 before joining Box Hill in 2009. De Sousa played with the Western Jets before playing the last four seasons with Coburg.
Another 10 recruits will be contracted in January 2010.
Scott Meyer and Tom Langlands are leaving the Gulls and have signed with Wodonga Raiders for 2010. They will join former teammate Adam Cook at the club.
Their departure from Williamstown follows the large exit of experienced players at the end of the 2008 season which included Cook, as well as Steven Greene, Jackson Barling, Murray Boyd and Kane McKenzie.
Certainly a change in the landscape down there for 2010, new coach on board and some new blood will be required.
Wayde Skipper
It was raining goals at Bendigo’s Queen Elizabeth Oval on Saturday when Williamstown met the home town Bombers in the sixth round of the VFL.
But, most of the scoring was done down one end with the visiting Seagulls absolutely running riot.
They slotted 58 goals for the day to Bendigo’s 13, with the seniors registering 25.17 (167) to 10.6 (66) and the reserves 33.23 (221) to 3.5 (23).
With their barnstorming wins, both Seagulls teams remained on top of their respective ladders.
The Seagulls’ seniors were consistently brilliant throughout their game after opening with a 6.3 to 3.2 first quarter.
Wayde Skipper got the ball rolling in the ruck, giving his midfield, led by Brett Johnson, Sam Reid, Guy O’Keefe and Ben Jolley first use.
If not for Leroy Jetta the Bombers would’ve been even further behind, as the small forward kicked his side’s three goals.
The Seagulls increased their margin to a commanding 45-points at half-time after another dominant quarter in which they slotted 7.3 to 3.1.
After booting two goals in the first, key forward Matt Little slotted another two in the second term.
Relentless with their run and carry, the Seagulls, though a little off target, added a further 6.8 in the third term to lead by 70-points at the final change.
Ben Davies and David Stretton were instrumental in continuing the domination through the midfield, while Cameron Lockwood and Stephen Tiller strong in defence.
Not about to ease off, the Seagulls kicked the first three goals of the last quarter in the first five minutes, on their way to scoring 6.3 to 1.2 for the entire term.
Patrick Rose, after seven goals the week before, was quiet, but managed to join in the fun with two last term majors.
Tiller was best on ground, while Davies, O’Keefe and Stretton were also brilliant. Little finished with six goals while Cam Wight did a good job of holding Bombers star Scott Lucas.
In the earlier game, the Seagulls’ reserves had 16 different goalkickers as they won by 198-points.
The visitors set the tone for the day by kicking 9.8 to 0.0 in the first quarter, before adding 8.6 to 1.4 in the second, then 9.3 to 1.1 in the third and finally 7.6 to 1.0 in the last.
Dean Galea and Nick Georgiadis each bagged four goals, and Easton Wood, Luke Cartelli and Matt Miller three. Tom Langlands had 42 possessions and Cravino 38.
The Seagulls are back home at Burbank Oval this Saturday when they host Port Melbourne.
SCOREBOARD
Seniors
Williamstown 25.17 (167)
Bendigo 10.6 (66)
Goals: Little 6, Rose 2, Egan 2, Grant 2, Reid 2, O’Keefe 2, Cloke 2, Davies 1, Jolley 1, Joyce 1, Ward 1, Stack 1, Stretton 1, Cordy 1.
Best: Tiller, Davies, O’Keefe, Callan, Stretton, Wight
Reserves
Williamstown 33.23 (221)
Bendigo 3.5 (23)
Goals: Galea 4, Georgiadis 4, Miller 3, Wood 3, Cartelli 3, Shaw 2, Langlands 2, Boumann 2, Cravino 2, Kelly 2, Rampe 1, Lee 1, Lynch 1, Isbister 1, Roughhead1.
Best: Langlands, Cravino, Wood, Georgiadis, Gotch, Grossman
Williamstown travelled to Bendigo on Saturday which saw the top side against the winless bottom side.
Williamstown made 3 changes to the side which had a hard fought 6 point victory away at Frankston the previous Sunday. Ayce Cordy and Stephen Tiller returned from injury and Ben Jolley from illness to strengthen the Seagulls side. Out of the side went Dylan Addison who was promoted to the Western Bulldogs and Dean Galea and Easton Wood were demoted to the reserves.
First Quarter
Williamstown open the game in a blistering fashion with Ben Davies and Matthew Little kicking early goals. Wayde Skipper was continuing his excellent form and was providing Guy O'Keefe, Brett Johnson, Sam Reid and Ben Jolley with plenty of opportunities. Leroy Jetta was at his explosive best and kicked 3 first quarter goals on Cameron Lockwood and Henry White. Stephen Tiller, Cam Wight and Tim Callan were very constructive up back and Dylan Joyce was again having an impact off the bench.
Williamstown 6.3 Bendigo 3.2
Second Quarter
Matthew Little continued his fine form by kicking his third and fourth goal. Cal Ward kicked a great running goal as the seagulls began to extend their lead. Scott Lucas kicked 2 goals in 5 minutes as the Bombers tried to remain in the contest. Jarrad Grant and Ayce Cordy had fine quarters and Scott Meyer was enjoying his stint in the ruck. Jason Cloke was again a solid contributor and Brendan Stack continued his weekly improvement by using his pace to great effect. At half time Willi established a 45 point lead.
Williamstown 13.6 Bendigo 6.3
Third Quarter
Willi continued to extend their lead, but was off target in the third quarter by adding 6 goals and 8 behinds. Stephen Tiller was enjoying an outstanding game and Cameron Lockwood was again at his best rebounding from defence. Ben Davies and David Stretton continued to link up through the midfield and Chris Egan had quality touches with both hand and foot. Cam Wight continued to blanket Scott Lucas who was not the beneficiary of good ball supply from his midfield.
Williamstown 19.14 Bendigo 9.4
Fourth Quarter
Any thoughts of cruising through the fourth quarter was quickly dispelled when Williamstown kicked 3 goals in the opening 5 minutes of the final quarter. Patrick Rose who had been fairly quite came to life and kicked 2 goals and Chris Egan intercepted an errant Bombers handball to stroll into an open goal. Dylan Joyce, Brett Johnson, Ben Jolley, Guy O'Keefe, Tim Callan and Sam Reid continued to dominate the midfield as the Seagulls cruised to a 101 point victory.
Williamstown 25.17 (167) Bendigo 10.6 (66)
Goal Kickers- Little 6, Rose 2, Egan 2, Grant 2, Reid 2, O'Keefe 2, Cloke 2, Davies 1, Jolley 1, Joyce 1, Ward 1, Stack 1, Stretton 1, Cordy 1.
Best Players- Tiller, Davies, O'Keefe, Callan, Stretton, Wight
Reserves Wrap
Williamstown continued its unbeaten run by defeating Bendigo by 198 points in a very lopsided contest. Coach Saade Ghazi switched his players continuously which probably shows why there were 16 individual goal kickers amongst the 33 goals scored.
Tom Langlands and Matthew Cravino were outstanding with 42 and 38 touches respectively and Easton Wood responded in a very positive manner after being dropped.
Williamstown 9.8 17.14 26.17 33.23 (221)
Bendigo 0.0 1.4 2.5 3.5 (23)
Goal Kickers: Galea 4, Georgiadis 4, Miller 3, Wood 3, Cartelli 3, Shaw 2, Langlands 2, Boumann 2, Cravino 2, Kelly 2, Rampe 1, Lee 1, Lynch 1, Isbister 1, Roughhead1.
Best Players: Langlands, Cravino, Wood, Georgiadis, Gotch, Grossman
Williamstown wins against Collingwood
Williamstown played Collingwood in Round 2 of VFL action at Visy Park on Saturday. Williamstown had a bye in Round 1 whilst Collingwood defeated Geelong.
Debutants for Williamstown included 19 year old Luke Cartelli who won the Reserves Best and Fairest after graduating from Keilor to the Western Jets. Recruits Ben Davies and Chris Egan played their first game as VFL listed players after previously playing with the club when Williamstown was aligned to Collingwood.
Western Bulldogs top draft pick Ayce Cordy played his first game as did Robert Murphy who was returning from his knee injury.
FIRST QUARTER
Collingwood was certainly more efficient in the first quarter with Cameron Wood dominating the ruck and Ben Reid in great form at Centre Half Back for the Magpies. Brad Dick kicked two first quarter goals whilst Guy O'Keefe snapped Willi's only first quarter goal. When Chris Bryan goaled before quarter time the Magpies had established a 15 point lead.
Williamstown 1 .3 Collingwood 4 .0
SECOND QUARTER
Collingwood begun the second quarter with consecutive goals to open a 5 goal lead. Wayde Skipper begun to exert his influence and midfielders Brett Johnson, Ben Jolley, Sam Reid, Patrick Rose, Guy O'Keefe, Ben Davies and David Stretton begun to exert an influence. Up forward Chris Egan kicked a miraculous goal and then a strong tackle resulted in another goal. Ayce Cordy and Jarrad Grant came to life and up back Tim Callan, Robert Murphy, Cameron Wight, Cameron Lockwood and Scott Meyer were providing plenty of rebound.
Williamstown 7 .7 Collingwood 6 .2
THIRD QUARTER
Williamstown assumed control of the game during this quarter by kicking 8 goals to Collingwood 4. The lead did stretch to 45 points before the Pies kicked the final 2 goals of the quarter. Guy O'Keefe and Sam Reid were outstanding whilst defenders Easton Wood and Andrejs Everitt were able to kick running goals off half back.
Williamstown 15 .8 Collingwood 10 .6
FOURTH QUARTER
Collingwood kicked the opening goal through Brad Dick but Williamstown responded with consecutive goals to Matthew Little. Malcolm Lynch was lively during this term and Guy O'Keefe consolidated BOG status by kicking his fifth goal. Wayde Skipper continued his outstanding form and Jarrad Grant showed that his AFL debut is not far away. In the end Williamstown ran out 62 point winners.
Williamstown 21 .11 (137) Collingwood 11 .9 (75)
Goalkickers : O'Keefe 5, Little 4, Egan 3, Grant 2, Davies 1, Jolley 1, Johnson 1, Skipper 1, Wood 1, Everitt 1
Best Players : O'Keefe, Reid, Skipper, Johnson, Rose, Davies
RESERVES WRAP
Williamstown begun the season against the Coburg Tigers with a stirring 45 point victory after trailing by 17 points at half time.
In a brilliant 15 minute burst, Williamstown went from 5 .19 to 13 .19 with an 8 goal burst which included 5 goals from Dean Galea in the third quarter.
Williamstown: 1 10.16 ~ 4 14.38 ~ 13 19.97 ~ 19 22.136
Coburg: 2 3.15 ~ 8 7.55 ~ 8 9.57 ~ 13 13.91
Goalkickers : Galea 7, Stack 3, Keddell 3, Rampe 2, Florance 1, Nicolopoulos 1, Graham 1, Joyce 1
Best Players : Galea, Keddell, Langlands, Rampe, Shaw, Miller
This week the Bayside Leader has a great story by Paul Amy about the Williamstown and VFA legend Gerry "the Monster" Callaghan. I contacted Paul and asked him to post it in this forum.
The story mentions nominating Gerry to the AFL Hall of fame.
Williamstown has overcome a slow start to beat Box Hill in a high-scoring practice game at the Whitten Oval last Saturday.
Box Hill jumped out of the blocks scoring eight goals to three in the first-term.
Their massive lead was soon squashed as the Seagulls bounced back with an impressive seven goal to two burst.
Buoyed by confidence, the Seagulls powered away with a mighty 13 goals to six second half to seal the result.
Final scores:
Williamstown: 3.2.21 ~ 10.5.65 ~ 16.10.106 ~ 23.15.153
Box Hill: 8.3.51 ~ 10.9.69 ~ 12.11.83 ~ 16.15.111
Goalkicker: Little, Picken, O’Keefe, Welsh 3, Skipper, Gotch, Reid, Harbrow 2, Johnson, Grant, Wight.
