Williamstown stars come to the fore in final term of VFL victory over Port Melbourne

SOME timely moments of individual brilliance helped Williamstown topple its great rival Port Melbourne in an epic struggle at Burbank Oval on Sunday.

Williamstown’s Brett Bewley is tackled by Port Melbourne’s Mitch Hayes Picture: Richard Serong

SOME timely moments of individual brilliance helped Williamstown topple its great rival Port Melbourne in an epic struggle at Burbank Oval on Sunday.

The Borough led by 15 points — and had logged 15 more scoring shots — at the final change of ends.

But two of the Seagulls’ prime movers — Sam Dunell and Aarryn Siposs — came to the fore when it mattered most as the reigning premier logged its third win of the VFL campaign.

Dunell kicked two majors in the final half-hour, while Siposs had the crowd in raptures with a 70m goal as Williamstown prevailed by seven points, 8.4 (52) to 5.15 (45).

“That’s probably one of the biggest kicks they’ve seen on the Williamstown oval,” coach Andrew Collins said.

“Siposs’s goal was outstanding and Dunell’s two goals were outstanding. Particularly the one where he was basically one on three and he turned it over and got a goal.

“I think the boys get a lot of confidence as a group. Goals were at an absolute premium.”

The home side led by 11 points at halftime before Port Melbourne piled on 3.8 while holding the Seagulls scoreless in the third term.

It set the stage for an enthralling conclusion, Collins conceding fourth-placed Williamstown was fortunate to escape with the points.

“We do rate it really highly,” he said.

“Incredibly difficult to play a game of footy in those conditions and probably a little bit lucky to get the points. Their endeavour and effort was probably a bit superior to us on the day.

“But we had some good moments and we probably took our moments a little bit better.”

Collins said young midfielder Michael Gibbons, who won the Norm Goss Medal for best afield in last year’s decider, had taken his game to another level.

The 20-year-old has been named in the Seagulls’ best three times this season and should have already attracted the attention of AFL scouts.

“I think he’s one of the outstanding young midfielders of the competition,” Collins said.

“He’s still getting to know his game at a senior level and I think he’s going to be an outstanding talent — both at our level and hopefully he’ll get an opportunity to go beyond.

“His grand final game and the way he’s started this season — I hope there are a lot of teams looking at him.”

Skipper Ben Jolley, Benjamin Bese, Brett Bewley and Billy Myers also made important contributions.

Jack Dorgan also finished with two majors in just his second game back from a third knee reconstruction.

The Seagulls will next tackle undefeated Werribee at Avalon Airport Oval on Saturday night, Collins declaring the Tigers were the “in-form side of the competition”.

Werribee won both clashes between the pair last season and has been strengthened by a move to a full alignment with AFL club North Melbourne.

The third-placed Tigers swept aside Footscray with ease at Whitten Oval on Saturday, winning by 42 points.

“They’ve got really nice depth. Players who were regular senior players have been playing development footy,” Collins said.

“I think they’re going to be a real team to beat this year, but we’re looking forward to the challenge.”