By Malaya Rodezno, Williamstown Media
Williamstown and North Melbourne-Werribee met for a highly contested semi-final, with the winner advancing to the prelim final.
The Seagulls made no changes entering the game, the same 21 players taking the field as last week’s elimination final.
The Seagulls won the first clearance of the match however they did not gain any territory.
Williamstown defenders Jemima Wrigley and Eloise Freeman clamped down early, cutting off North Melbourne-Werribee’s forward 50 entries with strong intercept work and tackle pressure.
However, it was North who struck first, hitting the scoreboard with a goal just four minutes into the game.
Trying with an aggressive approach, the Seagulls looked to kick it inside through the corridor however they were unable to find any targets.
As a result, the Kangaroos kicked another goal, taking a 16-point lead at the first break.
Throughout the second term, North dominated but were unable to convert, kicking several points instead of goals.
The Seagulls held up, creating 1v1s all over the ground with the Williamstown defenders keeping their feet and creating contests wherever possible.
North Melbourne-Werribee kept their lead entering the third quarter but the Seagulls got right to work by pressing hard.
Forward Georgia Howes finally broke through for Williamstown, kicking their first goal 14 minutes into the third quarter.
Grabbing it out of the ruck, Howes snapped the goal on her left, breaking free.
But North responded quickly with a goal of their own to take a 29 point lead into the final quarter.
Williamstown tried to wrestle momentum back their way as they looked to put pressure on North with repeat entries into their forward 50.
Forward Neve Crowley was able to kick through Williamstown’s second goal to trim the lead.
But regardless, the Kangaroos were just too strong, ending Williamstown’s 2025 season two games short of a premiership.
Playing their last games at VFLW level, Cat O’Bryan and Ash Thorneycroft fought all day in their respective positions.
O’Bryan collected 14 disposals, 10 hit outs and 6 clearances, whilst Thorneycroft gathered 13 disposals, 7 tackles and 3 inside 50s.
Defenders Jemima Wrigley and Eloise Freeman both provided a spark. Wrigley collected 17 disposals and 4 tackles, as Freeman managed 8 disposals, 6 marks and 2 tackles.
A loss meant the Kangaroos took the spot in the prelim and the Seagulls 2025 season was put to bed.
Williamstown’s VFLW program now looks ahead to what they can achieve in 2026, while thanking their members and supporters for supporting them throughout the journey that was season 2025.
Final Score:
NORTH MELBOURNE 2.4 | 3.10| 4.13 | 4.17 (41)
WILLIAMSTOWN 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.2 | 2.5 (17)
Goal Kickers: Howes, Crowley
