but then can we expect a player to come out of cotton wool straight onto the leading goal-kicker in the league and be able to do do the job?

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Seagulls obliterate Devils

Williamstown travelled to Hobart’s picturesque Bellerive Oval to play Tasmania in round 16 of VFL action. Williamstown made 4 changes to the side which was defeated by Coburg Tigers – into the side came Bulldogs trio Wayde Skipper, Tom Williams and Tim Callan returning from injury and Adam Cook who returned after a one gam suspension. Out of the side went Josh Hill who was promoted to the Bulldogs and Dean Galea, James Beaumont and Jarrad Boumann were omitted.

First Quarter

Williamstown opened the game in fine fashion and were dominating possession through the midfield. Tassie were unable to penetrate the strong Seagulls defence which was led by Tom Williams, Cameron Wight, Kane McKenzie, Tim Callan and Scott Meyer. Peter Street was dominating the ruck duels and providing the Williamstown midfielders with an armchair ride. Williamstown kicked the opening 6 goals and were completely dominating until forward Adam Cook was carried from the ground after injuring his ankle after landing awkwardly in a marking contest. Tassie Rover Ben Setchell kicked two late goals to get the Tassie side on the scoreboard.

¼ Time: Williamstown 6.4 (40) Tasmania 2.2 (14)

Second Quarter

Williamstown’s dominance continued in the second quarter with key forwards Wayde Skipper, Matthew Little and Jason Cloke dominating. Guy O’Keefe, Callan Ward, Patrick Rose and David Stretton were gathering plenty of possessions. Unfortunately Tom Williams limped from the ground with a thigh injury and both Shaun Higgins and Easton Wood left the ground under duress. With no interchange players available to coach Brad Gotch a bigger workload was thrust upon the 18 players fit on the ground. Tassie was playing unaccountable football and were exerting minimal pressure when they didn’t have the ball.

½ Time: Williamstown 12.6 (72) Tasmania 4.4 (28)


David Stretton

Third Quarter

If the Seagulls were dominant in the first half, it became more pronounced in the second half. Peter Street was pushed forward to the goal square and kicked 2 goals immediately whilst Wayde Skipper and Tim Callan kept on improving as the game progressed. Ben Jolley, Easton Wood, Sam Reid, Liam Picken and Brett Johnson were controlling the midfield whilst Cam Lockwood was relishing his role up back. Williamstown dominated the quarter by kicking ten goals to one during the term.

¾ Time: Williamstown 22.9 (141) Tasmania 5.5 (35)

Final Quarter

The final quarter followed the same script as the third quarter with Williamstown dominating with little resistance from Tasmania. David Stretton, Callan Ward and Guy O’Keefe continued their fine form and Matthew Little was the beneficiary of great supply up the ground. Peter Street kicked his fourth goal as did Wayde Skipper after siren from a strong mark.

Final Scores: Williamstown 31.14 (200) Tasmania 7.7 (49)

Goalkickers: Little 6, Rose 4, Skipper 4, Street 4, Ward 3, Picken 2, Reid 2, Jolley 1, Johnson 1, Reid 1, O’Keefe 1, Cloke 1, Williams 1

Best Players: Rose, Ward, Stretton, O’Keefe, Cloke, Street