By Lauren Wood, Williamstown Media
Williamstown has made three changes ahead of Sunday’s clash with top-of-the-ladder enemies, including the debut of former Essendon ruck Krystal Russell.
The news was shared with the team on Wednesday evening, with Russell set to pull on the blue and gold for the first time in what looms as one of the toughest assignments of the 2025 season so far.
Also returning to the line-up are Zara Guss and Ash Thorneycroft. Guss comes back into the side after debuting in Round 2, while Thorneycroft will play her first game of the season, having postponed retirement to make a surprise return to the field.
Russell arrives at Williamstown via the Yarraville-Seddon Eagles and Western Jets pathways and spent the 2023 season with Essendon in the VFLW.
A fierce competitor around the contest, she has also represented Vic Metro at both U17 and U18 National Championships and featured in 18 senior games for Collegians in the VAFA in 2024.
Senior Coach Liam Cavanagh expressed his enthusiasm about Russell’s inclusion, noting her impact in the contest and readiness to embrace the club’s hard-nosed brand of football.
Adding to the intrigue is the return of Thorneycroft — not just a player, but also Williamstown’s Midfield Development Coach.
After a stellar 2024 season, where she played all 16 games, led the team in disposals and tackles, and finished runner-up in the Best and Fairest, the 35-year-old had intended to retire.
However, after remaining involved in pre-season training as a coach, discussions around a potential return surfaced just weeks out from Round 1. Four rounds in, the experienced midfielder has answered the call.
Cat O’Bryan, Ruby Mahony, and Melina Ciaverella have been omitted, with Mahony and Ciaverella named among the emergencies alongside Ella Tyson and Amelia Marino.
The Round 5 match-up will take place at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval, with the opening bounce set for 9:45am on Sunday.
Match Details:
Sunday, May 18th at 9.45am
Trevor Barker Beach Oval, Sandringham
Can’t make it to the game? Watch live at afl.com.au or stay updated with live match scores via Williamstown Football Club’s Instagram, Facebook, and X.
Team Selection:
