VAFA 2021: Williamstown CYMS records history-making Premier B win

Faced with the challenge of the VAFA Premier B in 2021, the CYs showed they are far from easybeats as Dylan Jones led the way.

Dylan Jones starred for Williamstown CYMS. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Williamstown CYMS claimed a historic first victory in the second tier of the Victorian Amateur Football Association on Saturday.

The CYs, who have swiftly climbed the grades under coach Mat Montebello in recent years, toppled De La Salle by 19 points in the Premier B clash at Fearon Reserve.

The club completed an undefeated campaign in Premier C in 2019 and finished minor premier the previous year before being eliminated in the preliminary final.

But after a 65-point loss to Beaumaris in Round 1, Williamstown CYMS showed it will be competitive this season.

Montebello said the CYs’ maiden Premier B win in front of their home supporters was “huge” as they extended their undefeated run at the venue.

Williamstown CYMS coach Mat Montebello. Picture: Valeriu Campan

“It’s really unique at the Fearon. A lot of clubs we play against are school-based clubs, so they don’t really have that local, community attachment that Williamstown does,” Montebello said.

“I wouldn’t have any idea how many people were there. There would have been 150 people behind the goals and it was Williamstown at its best. The vibe was fantastic.

“To get (the first win) at the Fearon, we haven’t lost there since 2017, so we pride ourselves on making sure it’s really tough for anyone crossing the (West Gate) Bridge and the boys really rose to the occasion.

“There were 10 new players in that side from 2019, seven of them are first-year players, so that’s exciting in itself.”

The CYs conceded the first three goals of the match to trail by 21 points at quarter-time.

But Montebello insisted he was not unhappy with the opening 30 minutes, pointing to De La Salle’s ability to take its opportunities, with the home team gradually gaining the upper hand to score a 12.15 (87) to 10.8 (68) win.

Montebello heaped praise on big man Dylan Jones, who was best afield and grabbed about “15 marks” in a dominant display.

Captain Tom Johnstone, Williamstown-listed VFL player Max Philpot, Brad Tucker and Jacob Wheelahan fired in the middle.

“The mids just really took over (after quarter-time). I put the gas on them throughout the week and pretty much the same four blokes rotated through the middle, so it was easier to manage the expectation,” Montebello said.

“I thought all four of them were absolutely outstanding.

“Then when you’ve got a ruckman like Jones, who was probably disappointed in his performance (in Round 1), he just owned it.

“What an amazing player to coach and just see do his thing.

“He took big marks too – they weren’t just uncontested. He was smashing into packs and he’s 6 foot 7, so when he jumps he gets up pretty high.”

Williamstown CYMS will next tackle Old Carey away on Saturday.