By Malaya Rodezno, Williamstown Media
Saturday morning football saw the Seagulls record a confident win at Windy Hill, leaving Essendon still searching for their first victory of the season.
From the very first bounce, Williamstown attacked the contest. Ruck Georgia Howes delivered a clean tap-out to give Staford the chance to win the first clearance of the game.
The Seagulls capitalised on their early pressure, slotting their first goal within the opening two minutes as Neve Crowley cleverly slipped the ball through her opponent’s legs.
Constant pressure from the Seagulls allowed many opportunities for shots on goal within the first quarter.
Crowley struck again, using her body to create space and kick her second major, sending Williamstown into the first break with a 17-point lead while holding the Bombers scoreless.
End-to-end play allowed Williamstown to slot their 3rd goal of the game, 5 meters out, 4 minutes into the quarter, from Mia Zielenski.
Streaming out the middle, the Seagulls hit the scoreboard once again off a fresh clearance from Emily Eaves, ground ball pick up and handball to Eliza Staford for a captain’s goal.
Williamstown held a 21-point lead at halftime.
The Seagulls did all the attacking and were able to move the ball forward, with their defence in control to start the third quarter.
Crowley was unstoppable, nailing her third goal in three quarters. Unselfish football by the Gulls created multiple close-range scoring opportunities, with Zielenski adding to the lead from just five meters out.
Constant pressure and attack on the ball proved Williamstown to be too strong for Essendon.
Essendon finally managed to kick its first goal, 14 minutes into the third quarter.
However, Williamstown were able to kick a further goal to continue their lead into the fourth quarter.
Essendon hit the scoreboard first in the fourth quarter; however, they were overrun by the Seagulls.
The Williamstown defenders ran and surged with the ball and worked well as a defensive unit, always presenting first to meet the ball.
Building on this, in the closing stages of the game, the Seagulls rummaged the ball forward in the vicinity of Zielinski, who kicked her third goal of the game.
Defensive pressure by the Williamstown back six managed to put the game to bed.
The Seagulls’ domination started from the middle, as Williamstown generated its scores through midfield pressure and clean clearances.
Doing it all for Williamstown were midfielder Emily Eaves and defender Naomi Ferres. Eaves collected 29 disposals (15 contested), 6 tackles, 5 clearances, and 1 goal. Whilst Ferres gathered 29 disposals, 5 tackles and 5 clearances.
Georgia Howes battled in the ruck, rallying 19 hit outs, 4 clearances, 1 goal and 6 tackles. Alongside Mia Zielinski, who kicked 3 goals for the second game this season.
Forwards Mia Zielenski and Neve Crowley were instrumental in the win, each finishing with three goals.
Williamstown held Essendon to two goals for the entire match, limiting their chances to add to the scoreboard.
The Seagulls will now turn their attention to the upcoming game on Sunday against rivals Port Melbourne at ETU Stadium, hoping to extend their winning streak.
Full Time Score
Williamstown: 9.15 (69)
Essendon: 2.4 (16)
Best Players: Mia Zielinski, Neve Crowley, Emily Eaves, Naomi Ferres, Zara Guss, Private Player
Goal Kickers: Zielinski (3), Crowley (3), Stratford, Howes, Eaves
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