By Will Jeffares
Photos By Marcus Robertson
A four-goal to one final term from Williamstown has seen them run out 11-point victors over a competitive Frankston side at DSV Stadium on Friday night.
In what was an entertaining clash, both sides rode waves of momentum at several stages during the contest. Six lead changes occurred, and neither side was able to extend its lead beyond 18 points.
The Dolphins led at every change before four consecutive majors in the last quarter for the Seagulls swung the balance in their favour to secure the 10.11 (71) to 8.12 (60) result.
It was a strong start from the visitors, with an early opportunistic goal from Nick Burke opening the scoring. Williamstown would respond with one of their own, but two in a minute for Frankston late in the quarter, courtesy of accurate set shots from Harrison Coe and Tom Murphy, would see them enter the first break with a 12-point lead.
A Jackson Voss spear inside 50 onto the chest of Noah Gown gave the Dolphins the perfect start to the second term, as he kicked truly from his set shot and extended their lead to 18 points.
The Seagulls would go on to kick the next two of the quarter to get the margin back within a kick at the major break.
A goal inside the opening minute of the third term for the home side levelled the score before Corey Ellison continued his fine form in front of goal, to regain the lead for Frankston.
Williamstown would respond straight back with two in a row to snatch the lead. A crucial steal and snap from Tarkyn O’Leary moments later brought up his first goal as a Dolphin to put Frankston back in front.
Then there was a moment of brilliance from Frankston, with a fantastic team transition move, led by Will Hamill and Trent Mynott, ending up with Ellison who put through his second of the night with a great finish, extending the Dolphins’ lead as they ended an intense see-sawing term as eight-point leaders.
However, Williamstown would make the most of their opportunities going forward in the last quarter, putting through four consecutive goals to open up a three-goal advantage late.
Despite Tarkyn O’Leary soccering through his second goal to give the Dolphins some life late in the contest, the visitors were unable to claw back the deficit as the Seagulls stood strong to record their first win of the season.
Jackson Voss was again amongst his side’s best, leading the way with a team-high 26 disposals to go along with eleven marks, five inside 50s and 13 intercept possessions. Fellow defenders Will Hamill (22 disposals, six rebound 50s, four score involvements) and Ollie Moran (15 disposals, five marks, 10 intercept possessions) continued their great start to the 2025 season.
Darby Hipwell was great in the engine room, tallying 24 touches and a team-high seven clearances while also applying plenty of pressure around the ball with eight tackles. Tom Murphy did a bit of everything, finishing with 20 disposals, six tackles, six clearances, eight inside 50s and a goal of his own in a strong performance.
Angus Grant (seven disposals, 20 hitouts) battled hard in the ruck against Tom Downie, laying an impressive nine tackles, with five of those being inside 50. As Harrison Coe (one goal, 13 disposals, five marks, 14 hitouts, three clearances) also put in a fine showing.
Blake O’Leary (21 disposals, five inside 50s, seven intercept possessions) was again lively, as was Tom Blamires (14 disposals, five rebound 50s). While Corey Ellison and Tarkyn O’Leary led the way on the score sheet with two goals apiece.
Jackson Kornberg’s side will now have the week off, with the VFL representative side set to take on the SANFL in Adelaide during Gather Round next weekend. Four Dolphins, Corey Ellison, Matt Johnson, Will Hamill and Tom Murphy, were all selected in the VFL’s 43-man squad which is set to be finalised to a 23-man team this week.
Frankston will now look ahead to a mouthwatering encounter on Good Friday, where they will host an undefeated Richmond side at Kinetic Stadium. The first bounce is scheduled for 7:35 PM (AEST).
WILLIAMSTOWN 1.4 3.6 6.7 10.11 (71)
FRANKSTON 3.4 4.6 7.9 8.12 (60)
GOALS
Ellison 2, T. O’Leary 2, Murphy, Gown, Coe, Burke
BEST
Voss, Moran, Hipwell, O’Leary, Murphy, Coe
