By Ben Ford
The Seagulls entered the 2026 VFL season with high but realistic expectations after winning an elimination final against Collingwood in 2025 and securing key recruits such as Braydon Preuss, Alex Mirkov, Tom Fullarton, and David Cuningham during the off-season. So far, they have largely met those expectations.
What members of the Blue and Gold have witnessed this season is a team that never gives in. That resilience has been on display in comeback victories against Essendon and GWS, as well as spirited fourth-quarter fightbacks against Coburg and Port Melbourne. It is an attribute that should hold the side in good stead during the second half of the season.
According to General Manager Josh Rhodes, the team’s greatest strength so far has been “the ability for each person to step up and play their role,” which he described as “super impressive.”
Another factor that bodes well for Williamstown is the form of its key forwards. Despite trading leading goal kicker Brodie McLaughlin during the off-season, the Seagulls have discovered scoring power across the forward line. Nathan Colenso, Josh D’Intinosante, Diesel Moloney and Damon Hollow have all kicked three or more goals in a game this season, highlighting a true “one for all and all for one” approach.
The player who has stood out most to Rhodes is Kallan Dawson.
On Dawson, Rhodes said: “Kal has been flipped to either end of the ground depending on the team’s need that week, such is his versatility.”
Another major success story for Williamstown has been the form — and eventual drafting — of Joel Fitzgerald and Hugo Hall-Kahan. Both elevated their games to another level in the Blue and Gold, earning opportunities with the Melbourne Demons and Adelaide Crows respectively in the 2026 AFL Mid-Season Draft.
The club congratulates both players on their outstanding contributions and wishes them every success in what will hopefully be long and fruitful AFL careers.
Reflecting on their achievements, Rhodes noted:
“The exciting thing about VFL football is the opportunity that it creates for those who may have been overlooked in the draft, the late bloomers and those looking for a second chance.”
For many Williamstown supporters, the highlight of the season so far was the dominant Round 4 victory over Southport. That performance showcased exactly what the Seagulls are capable of at DSV Stadium when they are at their best.
According to Rhodes, one of the most exciting developments has been the emergence of several young players.
“Guys like Josh Hamilton, Conor Willis and Tom Fry had to bide their time before being rewarded, and now since coming into the fray they’ve become key pieces and are getting better each week.”
Unfortunately, the moment most supporters would rather forget was the heartbreaking Round 8 loss to Box Hill. Williamstown’s inaccurate 11.22 in front of goal, combined with Will McCabe’s late match-winner, broke the hearts of Seagulls fans and began a four-game losing streak.
If there is one area the Seagulls can improve during the second half of the season, it is their execution in close games. Williamstown currently holds a 1–4 record in matches decided by a goal or less and has repeatedly conceded late scores after taking the lead, most notably against Coburg and Port Melbourne in consecutive weeks.
Fixing those late-game lapses and having a few close results fall their way could significantly improve the Seagulls’ ladder position.
The run home presents several major challenges. Williamstown still has a showdown against fellow finals hopefuls Sydney and Tasmania. The Seagulls will additionally face Coburg and Frankston again later in the season.
The clash against Tasmania will be particularly significant, marking the first time Williamstown has faced the Devils.
To secure a top-six finish and avoid Wildcard Weekend, the Seagulls may need to claim a major scalp against one of Sydney, Tasmania or Frankston.
According to Rhodes, the matches that stand out most to the playing group are the upcoming encounters with Sydney and Tasmania.
“They sit fifth and seventh on the ladder and, given the time of the season, will be massive games with respect to the ladder.”
The second half of the season promises to be an exciting one for the Seagulls. We hope to see plenty of Blue and Gold supporters at DSV Stadium throughout the run home, and wish the team all the best during their next interstate trip to Sydney on Saturday, 11 July.
Go Seagulls!
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