By Lauren Wood, Williamstown Media
For the first time since Round 5, the Seagulls will welcome a debutant – in fact, two.
Mia Giannopoulos and Yasmin Welsford will both pull on the blue and gold for the first time as the Borough hosts their annual Heritage Round.
Giannopoulos has been a name well-known to the Club for the last two years, having joined Williamstown during the 2024 pre-season following her time at the Darebin Falcons.
A powerful runner with natural speed and clean skills, Mia’s journey to a debut hasn’t come without its setbacks.
After suffering a foot injury in the off-season, she’s spent the bulk of the year in rehab, but returned to local footy in late May with Old Yarra Cobras in the VAFA.
Since then, she’s played five consecutive matches hitting the scoreboard last round, and celebrating her 100th career game last month – with 50 of those coming through the Yarra Junior Football League.
Giannopoulos will don number 14 as she makes her long-awaited Williamstown debut.
Joining her in jumper number 30 is Yasmin Welsford, who signed with the Seagulls late last year ahead of the 2025 season.
The Strathmore defender has turned heads in the EDFL Division One this year, most recently contributing to a 107–1 win over Tullamarine.
Welsford’s form has been building across the season, earning best player honours and showcasing her sharp kicking and intercept marking in the twilight clash against Westmeadows the weekend before last.
Welsford has been playing alongside fellow Seagull Talia Motta at Strathmore, where their team has kept opponents scoreless on four occasions already in the 2025 season.
While the 20-year-old will be making her Williamstown debut, it also marks her first appearance at VFLW level.
Also returning to the side is Brittney Gray, who was selected for the first time since Round 7.
The utility has spent recent weeks with Oak Park in the EDFL Premier Division, where she’s hit the scoreboard and featured among the best players.
Formerly in Williamstown’s leadership group, Gray adds experience and flexibility to the Seagulls’ lineup as she eyes a consistent finish to the season.
Heading out of the side this week is Georgia Howes, who enters concussion protocols, while Krystal Russell and Megan Smart have been moved to the emergency list.
The Seagulls will head over the bridge to ETU Stadium early Saturday morning hoping to get back on the winners list after their defeat to North Melbourne Werribee at home last week.
Match Details:
Saturday July 5th, at 10:05am
ETU Stadium, Port Melbourne
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:
