In Round 6 of the VFL, the Bendigo Bombers took on ladder leaders Williamstown on a cold afternoon at the Queen Elizabeth Oval. The Bombers’ who are yet to secure a win for the season faced a colossal size task in tackling the undefeated Seagulls.
 
Bendigo was boosted with the inclusion of several Essendon listed players, including veteran forward Scott Lucas, Michael Hurley, Darcy Daniher, Brent Prismall and Leroy Jetta.
 
Bendigo looked likely to score the first goal, however constant pressure from the Seagulls in the Bombers’ defensive 50 would not allow it. Williamstown scored the first goal of the game after they managed to find space in the forward 50.
 
The Seagulls continued their momentum with goal to Little, after he received a free kick inside 50. Williamstown were dominating in midfield; however Jetta managed to breakthrough for Bendigo, after some smart bodywork inside 50.
 
The strong breeze across the ground was wreaking havoc for both team but the Seagulls managed to break their way through with Guy O’Keefe finishing off a well orchestrated move. Jetta then roved his second goal to reduce the margin back to four goals.
 
Bendigo applied pressure all over the field and was able to creating chances in the forward line but simply couldn’t convert their opportunities.
 
On the flip side, the Seagulls were taking any opportunity given to them; Jason Cloke drilled another goal home from right in front. The Bombers managed to grab a late goal, with Jetta popping up for his third goal of the quarter.
 
The first break saw the Bombers’ trailing by 19 points.
 
The second quarter started off slowly, with Jarrod Atkinson running the ball well, off the half back line. Williamstown managed the first goal for the quarter but then Lucas showed off his strength as he outmuscled his opponent before slotting a major for the Bombers’.
 
Lucas was now starting to get into the game and was getting the better of his opponent. As the key target in the forward line, Lucas had up to three defenders dropping back on him- the Seagulls more than aware of the damaged he could cause.
 
With Lucas covered, Bendigo used their free men in the forward line to string two goals together and further reduce the margin.
 
The game was wide open, with both teams looking to attack. Jarrod Grant popped up for the Seagulls then Chris Egan got himself onto the score sheet soon after, roving a goal inside 50 to give Williamstown four consecutive goals.
 
Bendigo managed to sneak one home before half time, with Rhys Magin snapping a goal over his head.
 
When the siren sounded for half time, Williamstown lead Bendigo by 45 points.
 
The third quarter started just like the previous two quarters, with Williamstown kicking the opening goal through Reid. Bendigo immediately replied, with Steven Stroobants taking a strong mark and then slotting a well needed goal.
 
Whilst the Seagulls kicked the two goals of the quarter, Bomber Michael Hurley was holding his ground and playing solidly in defence.
 
Bendigo managed to get back on the board with a Charles Slattery goal. Lucas kicked his third soon afterwards after he converted from a free kick but it was immediately answered by the Seagulls with a goal from the boundary by O’Keefe.
 
Bendigo struggled going forward, unable to find targets, their hard work around the ground just not paying off.
 
Williamstown was out to a comfortable 70 point lead at three quarter time.
 
Williamstown didn’t drop off in the final term, kicking the first 5 goals of the quarter.
 
Whilst the Seagulls blew out to a 100 point plus deficit Bendigo did what they could to keep on fighting. Jetta kicked his fourth goal from outside 50, finishing up with four majors for the day.
 
The final siren sounded, with the scoreboard showing Williamstown 101 points to the better.
 
Michael Hurley and Leroy Jetta were amongst Bendigo’s best. Hurley not only soundly held his opponent, limiting the Seagull’s scoring opportunities but he used the ball effectively whenever he got his hands on it.
 
Essendon forward Scott Lucas did well to kick 3 goals considering the delivery coming into the forward line and the multitude of opponents he faced.
 
Brent Prismall played 80 minutes of the game, racking up over 20 plus disposals in his second game back from injury. The 22-year-old is expected to play a full game next weekend and could make hisAFLreturn in Round 10 against Geelong.
 
The Bendigo Bombers face off against the Coburg Tigers next week on a Sunday Afternoon at the QEO, with the Tigers coming off a 31 point win over Collingwood.