By Malaya Rodezno, Williamstown Media
Williamstown entered the match unchanged, maintaining the same lineup as the previous week.
Despite the adverse wind-affected and wet weather conditions, Williamstown adapted impressively, maintaining control of the contest from the outset.
From the first bounce, both sides attacked the ball with intensity, setting up a fiercely contested opening passage.
The Seagulls were first to hit the scoreboard; however, a minor score was managed from captain Eliza Straford.
A repeat inside 50 kicks from ruck Georgia Howes, put Sandringham under pressure, leaving them vulnerable inside Williamstown’s attacking half.
Scrambling play opened the door for Bella Smith, who gathered cleanly, broke free, and curled a goal off the outside of her boot for Williamstown’s first of the day.
Shortly after, Sandringham capitalised on a holding-the-ball free kick, narrowing Williamstown’s lead to one point.
Relentless pressure from the Seagulls generated repeat inside-50 entries, and Emily Eaves capitalised with a set shot from the boundary.
Williamstown took an 8-point lead into the first break.
Unrelenting tackling from the Seagulls caused chaos for the Zebras.
Excellent midfield craft from Emily Eaves saw her read the play, gather cleanly, and charge through with power to finish from five meters out for her second goal of the game.
Williamstown lead by 16 points at halftime.
Driving the ball forward with intent, Megan Williamson won it cleanly and fed Mia Zielenski, who kicked off the ground to register Williamstown’s fourth goal inside the first minute of the third term.
Williamstown maintained the lead into the final break.
Scoring slowed at the beginning of the fourth quarter; however, the Seagulls were able to withstand sustained defensive pressure through strong intercept marking and crucial clearances, while adding several minor scores of their own.
The result was put beyond doubt when Neve Crowley kicked the sealer, extending Williamstown’s lead to 26 points.
The Seagulls restricted the Zebras to just one goal in the opening quarter, with Sandringham failing to score again for the remainder of the match.
Ultimately, the Zebras never held the lead at any stage, as Williamstown secured a commanding victory.
Williamstown midfielders Emily Eaves and Megan Williamson were back to their best. Eaves collected 24 disposals, 4 tackles, 7 clearances and a goal, whilst Williamson managed 17 disposals, 10 tackles and 5 inside 50’s.
Ruck duo Georgia Howes and Krystal Russell dominated once again, with Russell recording a game-high 24 hit outs and Howes contributing 13 disposals.
The pair led the Seagulls to a commanding advantage in both hit-outs and clearances, giving the midfield consistent first use.
The Seagulls will not turn their attention to next week’s clash with the Casey Demons, set for Saturday at 4:15 pm on their home deck.
Full Time Score
Williamstown: 75.9 (39)
Sandringham: 1.0 (6)
Goal Kickers: Eaves (2), Zielinski, Smith, Crowley
Brought to you by Wilckens Roche Lawyers, always in your corner when it matters most.
Are you ready for the 2026 season? Sign on as a WFC member today!
https://am.intix.com/williamstownfc/home
