By Malaya Rodezno, Williamstown Media
Saturday afternoon football delivered a tight contest between Williamstown and Hawthorn in windy conditions at DSV Stadium.
The Seagulls started well with a playbook tap from Ruck Georgia Howes out to advantage, giving her midfielders first use.
Looking to play fast, the Seagulls took full advantage, with Lilu Hung slotting Williamstown’s first goal from a set shot four minutes into the game.
Shortly after, Teagen Brett kicked Williamstown’s second goal after her relentless pressure inside forward 50, resulted in a free kick shot on goal.
The Seagulls’ defenders held up well throughout the quarter, limiting Hawthorn to just one point, as Williamstown took a 13-point lead into the first break.
The second term was dominated by intercepts and relentless pressure, leading to repeated stoppages from players across the ground.
Hawthorn was the first to score, kicking a goal eleven minutes into the quarter. Leveling the contest, the Hawks kicked another goal, to take the lead by one point.
Williamstown’s’ output dipped significantly in the second term, managing only three points while Hawthorn seized control. The shift in momentum saw the scores tied at halftime.
The breezy conditions affected the run of play in the third as both teams struggled to transition the ball.
Brett only added a point before Hawthorn struck, kicking the only goal of the quarter, against the run of play.
Entering the fourth, the Hawks pressure set themselves up for another goal, leading by 8 points early. As the Seagulls, hung on by a thread.
Williamstown instantly responded, as they were able to transition the ball from their defensive 50 to their forward 50 with ease, as small forward Eliza Staford played her role, by crumbing and kicking the goal, cutting the deficit to only two points.
The Seagulls had the chance to win, however fell short, kicking a point instead of a goal to end the game.
Despite the setback, Williamstown maintained their intensity. Although their efforts demanded a scoreboard return that never quite came.
Williamstown dominated in the hit outs and inside 50s of the game, giving the forwards first use, however, were unable to convert on the scoreboard.
Doing it all for Williamstown was midfielder Bella Smith. She collected 21 disposals, 11 of those contested, 6 tackles and 7 clearances.
Ruck Georgia Howes and midfielder Megan Williamson once again proved their dominance by playing their roles. Howes gathered 28 hit outs, 6 disposals, 4 tackles, whilst disposing the ball at 83%. Whilst Williamson managed 14 disposals, 10 tackles and 4 clearances herself.
The Seagulls were unable to hold off a rampaging Hawthorn and ultimately received their first loss of the season.
Williamstown will now turn their attention to Essendon at Windy Hill on Saturday morning, hoping to take home 4 more points.
Full Time Score
Williamstown: 3.8 (26)
Box Hill Hawks: 4.3 (27)
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