VFL: Corey Preston, Joel Ottavi and Noah Gown star for Williamstown

Williamstown coach Justin Plapp said he has “never seen” as many brilliant goals and marks his side produced in a big win over the Northern Bullants. Watch some of the highlights here.

Joel Ottavi provided some great highlights during his side’s win. Photo: AFL Photos via Getty Images.

There’s a renewed sense of excitement at Williamstown.

The Seagulls broke through for just their second win of the VFL season after overcoming the Northern Bullants 13.9 (87) to 9.8 (62) at Preston City Oval.

But it wasn’t the four points which meant so much to coach Justin Plapp and his side it was the in-game moments which left him stunned.

Corey Preston flew high on two occasions — including once over a teammate — while Joel Ottavi took a big grab of his own on centre win.

That was to go along with “three spectacular goals” including Williamstown’s first goal of the game from Noah Gown.

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The key forward side stepped two Bullants defenders before snapping truly on his left foot.

“It was incredible,” Plapp said.

“There were five or six moments that clearly standout. I’ve never seen anything like it. Usually one or two of those might happen every week if you’re lucky.

“We had a lot of fun with those in our review on Tuesday night.”

Plapp described Sunday’s victory as a “relief” after a difficult season for the Seagulls which has seen them field one of the youngest sides in the competition.

Key names including Teia Miles (29 disposals), Liam Hunt (28 disposals) and Tom Downie (22 disposals and 26 hit-outs) were among Willi’s better performers.

Gown finished with three goals as Noah Gadsby chipped in with two.

“We’re going through a bit of a reset at the moment,” Plapp said.

“We’ve got about 13 or 14 kids who are 20-21 playing every week. It’s not all a loss at the moment because we’re still allowing those players to develop.

OTTAVI MY GOODNESS 🛫

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“It’s fantastic they got to get a win. Playing against AFL-listed players is good for our group.

“We lost five to six key players including our captain Cam Polson and James Cousins early in the season and that did hurt. But we’ll get them back soon and hopefully that can help us win a few more games.

“We know where we’re at as a club and we’re continuing to move forward.”

Despite the on-field struggles in 2022, Plapp is confident Williamstown is continuing to develop AFL-ready talent.

Since the end of last year’s Covid interrupted season, three former Seagulls have found their way onto a list.

Corey Preston flew for this hanger against the Northern Bullants. Photo: NSW Sports.

Charlie Dean was drafted by Collingwood in the Rookie Draft, Mitch Cox won a place at Brisbane through the Supplemental Selection Period and Kallan Dawson was recently selected in the Mid-Season Draft.

“We’re hopeful of seeing that number grow,” Plapp said.

“We think we’re a destination club for guys who might have missed out in the draft after the NAB League and we want to help them achieve their goals.

“I’d like to think we could have one or two drafted at the end of the year.”

Williamstown will host the GWS Giants at home on Sunday from 1.05pm.