By Mietta Williams, Williamstown Media
After a promising pre-season campaign, Williamstown’s VFLW side is set to unveil a wave of fresh talent in Saturday’s Round 1 clash against the Geelong Cats at Deakin University, with first bounce at 12:05pm.
The Seagulls will feature nine new players pulling on the blue and gold for the first time, marking an exciting new chapter for the Club as the 2026 season gets underway under new Senior Coach Paul Groves, who joined the program during the summer off-season.
Ellen Williams (1), Bella Smith (3), Lilu Hung (8), Lilly Pearce (9), Naomi Ferres (16), Maighan Fogas (20), Mia Zielinski (23), Taelah Smith (28), and Elise Vella (37) are all set to make their club debuts after impressing throughout pre-season.
Ellen Williams, Lilu Hung and Taelah Smith will also make their VFLW debuts on Saturday.
Their selection reflects the depth and development within the squad, with each earning their opportunity through strong training standards and impressive performances across the club’s pre-season campaign.
Williamstown enters Round 1 with confidence after winning two of its three practice matches, finishing pre-season on a high with a 9.5 (59) to 4.6 (30) victory over the Box Hill Hawks and building strong connection and cohesion within the group ahead of the season opener.
The Seagulls will now look to carry that momentum into their first official test of 2026 against a quality Geelong Cats outfit at Waurn Ponds.
Match Details:
Saturday, May 16th at 12:05pm
Deakin Univeristy, Geelong
Can’t make it to the game? Watch live via afl.com.au or stay updated with live match scores via Williamstown Football Club’s Instagram, Facebook, and X.
Team Selection:
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