By Lauren Wood, Williamstown Media
The Round 13 contest shapes up as a crucial top six battle, and at the forefront of the Seagulls inclusions is the returning skipper Eliza Straford and the debut of young gun Charli Sette.
Sette was announced to debut at Wednesday night’s team selection, where her teammates showed no shortage of excitement.
The 19-year-old will pull on the blue and gold for the first time at VFLW level after an impressive rise through the Western region football ranks.
A former gymnast turned footy star, Sette has gone from strength to strength since taking up the game in 2023.
She comes from Point Cook Centrals where she won the WFNL U18 Best and Fairest last year — her second consecutive year in contention for the award.
Sette has played just 36 career games, but already has 26 goals to her name and has featured in her team’s best 30 times. She also spent time in the Western Jets system earlier this year, playing Rounds 3 through 6.
Most recently, she was named the June WFNL Senior Women’s Player of the Month, after four-from-four in best-on-ground performances for the Sharks.
She’ll rotate through the wings on Sunday, sharing time with fellow inclusion Megan Smart, who returns to the line-up after a two-week stint at local level with Williamstown CYMS.
Smart played the first ten rounds of the season and brings reliable pace and pressure to the game.
But perhaps the most anticipated return is that of captain Eliza Straford, who is set to play her first game since suffering an ACL injury in last year’s qualifying final.
The 2024 VFLW Team of the Year captain has attacked her rehab with resilience and professionalism — and now finally returns to the field with her trademark hunger, voice, and leadership.
The skipper’s comeback couldn’t come at a better time for the Gulls, who have dropped their last three games.
Straford’s experience and leadership will be invaluable in helping steady the group, particularly inside 50.
Also named is defender Ella Tyson, who suits up for the first time since Round 2. She’s been a standout at local level with Williamstown CYMS for the last few months and brings plenty of drive from down back.
Phoebe Chisholm, Brittney Gray and Mia Giannopoulos have all been omitted following last week’s four-point loss to Darebin. They join Camryn Bux and Mia D’Agostino as emergencies.
Midfielder Megan Williamson will also miss Sunday’s match with a knee injury sustained in Round 12.
Adding to the significance of the clash, Vice-Captain Emily Eaves has been locked into her usual spot in the middle for her 50th game in the blue and gold.
The Seagulls missed a golden opportunity to secure a finals spot last week and Box Hill also suffered defeat at the hands of Essendon, so with both sides eyeing a top-six finish, this matchup looms as season-defining.
Match Details:
Sunday July 20th, at 11:05am
DSV Stadium, Williamstown
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:
