VFL MATCH REPORT – Round 3 vs. Williamstown

Port Melbourne have gone down by 38 points to arch rivals Williamstown under lights in Round 3 at Downer Oval on Saturday night.

In an early-season battle with the atmosphere and intensity befitting of a Final, the Borough lost both Tom Cameron and Jeromy Lucas inside the first 15 minutes that left them two players down for the remainder of the game.

In such a bruising contest, that would ultimately prove a crucial factor in the final result, with the 38-point final margin not reflective of how tight the scoreboard was for most of the night.

With the rarity of perfect still conditions prevailing at the usually testing Point Gellibrand, the big crowd in attendance were treated to an exhibition of tough, fast-paced football between the two proud standalone clubs.

In a game that was essentially a goal-for-goal shootout for three quarters, whoever was able to wrestle back momentum for long enough would likely prove to be the victor.

Off the back of some hard inside grunt work from Harvey Hooper and Nash Holmes, and devastating run and carry from Eli Templeton, Port threatened to gain ascendancy on multiple occasions across the night, as young forwards Dirk Koenen, Liam Delahunty and Jeremy O’Sullivan continued to stand up in the absence of key teammates through injury.

Even as the Borough conceded the opening three goals in quick time to Willy at the start of the last term, they pressed on and continued to fight hard against the odds, and even dreamt of a miracle win when Matt Signorello’s successful snap on goal had them within 13 points as time-on ticked over.

It wasn’t to be however, as weight of numbers eventually told the tale with the high-class Seagulls powering away in the final stages.

Templeton was simply magnificent across the whole night, and finished with the astounding stats of 37 disposals, 9 marks, 7 tackles, 1 goal and 154 ranking points.

Fellow leaders Tom O’Sullivan (24 disposals) and Harvey Hooper (24 and 2 goals) also tried their best to keep their side in the contest, whilst recruit Holmes also continued the impressive start to his career in the red and blue with 26 possessions and a major.

Whilst clearly disappointed not to get their hands on the Johnson-Callahan Cup, Port Melbourne fans could be left proud with the valiant effort of the young Borough brigade; with the upcoming Round 4 Bye now arriving at an opportune time for the side to freshen up in preparation for the following week’s clash with Coburg.

A host of senior players should also be line for a return from injury, as coach Gary Ayres looks to recharge for an assault up the ladder with their current record sitting at one win and two losses.

The clash with Coburg will be held on the weekend of 15th/16th May at ETU Stadium, with the specific day and time of the game set to be confirmed publicly later this week.

Williamstown4.5-295.7-378.13-6115.17-107 defeated

Port Melbourne4.2-265.5-358.7-5510.9-69

Goal Kickers: H. Hooper 2, D. Koenen 2, M. Signorello, A. Anastasio, E. Templeton, L. Delahunty, N. Holmes, J. O’Sullivan.
Best Players: E. Templeton, B. Jolley, A. Anastasio, H. Hooper, D. Koenen, N. Holmes.

Article: Sam Wharton.

Image: Emily Fraser-Ison.