By Isla Anthony
Set against a stunning sunset and in front of a strong opposition crowd, the Seagulls wasted no time stamping their authority on the contest with a dominant opening term.
The Seagulls made an immediate impact, establishing control early through relentless pressure and contested work.
Their dominance was rewarded inside the opening minutewhen club debutant David Cuningham converted from beyond 50 metres, registering both his first goal for the club and Williamstown’s first of the season.
Williamstown maintained control throughout the opening term, restricting Frankston’s forward movement and capitalising on opportunities in attack.
Debutant Ben Kennedy soonadded to the scoreboard, while further goals from Tom Fullarton, Kennedy and Harry
Minton-Connell helped build a 5.6 (36) to 0.0 (0) lead at quarter time.
The Seagulls’ territorial advantage was reflected in the inside 50 count (14-4), effectively silencing the home crowd early.
Momentum shifted in the second quarter as Frankston responded strongly, making use of a favourable breeze to apply scoreboard pressure. The home side added five goals for the term, reducing the margin to just six points at half-time.
Williamstown managed just one major through Toby Triffett, taking a 6.7 (43) to 5.7 (37) lead into the main break.
The third term developed into an entertaining, high-scoring contest, with both sides trading goals. After an early push from Frankston, Joel Fitzgerald and Ben Kennedy responded, with Kennedy registering his third for the game.
Cuningham, Kallan Dawson and Jack Toner also contributed on the scoreboard as the lead changed hands multiple times. Despite Williamstown’s resilience, Frankston edged ahead by three points at the final break, 12.8
(80) to 11.11 (77), in a quarter that produced 12 goals.
The final term was played at high intensity, with Frankston generating early forward entries and briefly taking control of territory.
However, Williamstown once again responded through Ben Kennedy, whose fourth goal proved a crucial circuit-breaker, halting the Dolphin’s momentum. Fellow debutants Angus Seivers and Josh D’Intinosante followed with
consecutive goals to re-establish the lead.
The final minutes were tightly contested, with Frankston narrowing the margin to a single point. Williamstown’s defensive structure held firm, and a crucial contested mark from Braydon Preuss in the game’s dying moments helped steady the side.
In a fitting finish, D’Intinosante was awarded a high-tackle free kick inside 50, converting for a behind after the
siren as Williamstown secured a 97-95 victory.
The win marks an impressive start to the season for the Seagulls, with contributions across the ground and strong performances from debutants highlighting the group’s depth and cohesion as they begin their 2026 campaign with momentum and purpose.
Full Time Score
Williamstown: 14.13 (97)
Frankston: 14.11 (95)
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