By Malaya Rodezno, Williamstown Media
Saturday morning football featured a fierce contest between the Seagulls and Magpies, with finals fast approaching.
Williamstown welcomed back ruck Cat O’Bryan from injury and first-year player Camryn Bux into the team, with Ash Thorneycroft playing in her 50th VFLW game.
Williamstown secured all the territory within the first few minutes and looked to push forward.
However, the Magpies were first to hit the scoreboard, kicking a goal off the ground within seven minutes of the quarter.
Moments later, Williamstown answered, as Sharnie Whiting slotted through a 40-meter set shot, after earning a free kick, putting the Seagulls on the board, with their first inside 50 of the game.
Yet, the celebrations were short-lived as Collingwood managed to kick two goals to end the quarter, taking the 20-6 lead at the first break.
Entering the second quarter, Collingwood kicked away again, booting their fourth goal of the game.
Nevertheless, the Seagulls managed to control the momentum in the second quarter.
50-gamer Ash Thorneycroft created something from nothing, with a quick kick out of the pack to score Williamstown’s second goal of the match.
The Seagulls showed persistence and managed to close the gap, kicking another snap around the corner from forward Kiera Leare.
But again, Collingwood responded quickly with their own goal.
A team goal by the Seagulls provided a spark entering halftime, as skipper Eliza Staford set up forward Teagan Brett, charging forward on the lead, before slotting through the set shot.
The third quarter consisted of many stoppages; however, the Seagulls were able to hold on and convert through defensive pressure.
Collingwood maintained their three-point lead at the main break.
The Magpies hit the scoreboard early in the third term, but Williamstown fought back, as Brett kicked her second goal.
The third term turned into a goal-for-goal arm wrestle, with neither side able to break away.
Until Leare booted through her second goal to give Williamstown their first lead of the game.
However, the Seagulls’ lead was cut short, as the Magpies kicked a goal late in the third term, setting up a close-fitting final quarter.
Williamstown came out hard in the final quarter, attacking through defensive pressure, but only managed a point before Collingwood kicked a goal.
Neve Crowley snapped the margin to one point after kicking a goal; however, Collingwood was able to kick the last goal of the game to take the win.
Despite the loss, the Seagulls were up for the challenge and nearly got the job done for the home crowd.
Williamstown midfielders Emily Eaves, Cat O’Bryan, and India Barker did everything they could.
Eaves collected 21 disposals, 16 contested, 7 inside 50’s and 9 clearances while Barker managed 9 disposals and 4 tackles, and O’Bryan gathered 18 hit outs, 9 disposals and 3 clearances.
Forwards Sharnie Whiting, Teagan Brett and Kiera Leare all played their role, together kicking 6 goals (2 each) and gave a hand in most of the team’s scoring.
The Seagulls will now turn their full attention to the opening week of finals, where they will face Sandringham in an elimination clash at Trevor Barker Beach Oval at 11.05am on Saturday.
Final Score:
WILLIAMSTOWN 1.0 | 5.0 | 8.0 | 9.2 (56)
COLLINGWOOD 3.2 | 5.3| 8.3 | 11.3 (69)
Best Players: Eaves, Whiting, Brett, Leare, O’Bryan, Barker
Goal Kickers: Brett (2), Leare (2), Whiting (2), Thorneycroft, Straford, Crowley
