By Malaya Rodezno, Williamstown Media
Saturday morning footy delivered perfect conditions, with a tight opening term before the Seagulls seized control in the second quarter and powered on to secure their ninth win of the season in a dominant display.
Adalita Pizzinga pulled on the Williamstown colours for the first time, making her VFLW debut after joining Williamtown this year as a development player.
The Seagulls also welcomed back Melina Ciavarella, who made her first appearance of the 2026 season.
A tight opening term saw both sides locked in a scrappy, constant pressure. Tasmania was able to convert two goals compared to the Seagulls, who remained goalless.
Tasmania set up strongly behind the ball, making it difficult for Williamstown to find space inside their forward 50.
Williamstown were the first to hit the scoreboard, with a minor score. Moments after, Tasmania converted a goal, taking the five-point lead late in the first.
Surging forward once again, the Devils kicked another goal on the goal line to take an 11-point lead to end the first quarter.
Williamstown broke the deadlock early in the second term, registering their first goal of the match two minutes into the quarter, after a scoreless opening, as Eliza Straford found Mia Zielinski on the lead.
The Seagulls’ relentless pressure soon turned the momentum, forcing repeated turnovers across the ground.
A great team play resulted in another goal for Zielinski at the top of the goal square, placing Williamstown in front by 1 point.
Minutes later, quick and slick hands from the Seagulls again opened space for Zielinski to mark at the top of the square, slotting her third goal of the match before halftime.
Williamstown took the 7-point lead at the main break.
Beginning the third, the Seagulls scored in 40 seconds, as Zielinski kicked her fourth goal from the boundary.
Stoppage-heavy play throughout the third quarter made it difficult for both teams to score.
The Seagulls were the first to answer in the fourth, as Tasmania’s dump kick was intercepted by Straford, who only managed a minor score.
Shortly after, Ellen Williams broke off two tackles before spearing the ball into the forward 50, hitting Zielinski on the chest.
Zielinski kicked her fifth goal of the game, ultimately putting the game out of reach for Tasmania.
Shortly after, the Devils scored their third goal of the game, but it was short-lived, as the Seagulls took home the victory.
Mia Zielinski made a statement in this game, kicking all of Williamstown’s five goals, whilst collecting 14 disposals, 6 marks and 3 tackles.
Defender Naomi Ferres was very effective, gathering 25 disposals, an equal game high of 12 tackles and 7 clearances.
Williamstown’s Ruck duo of Georgia Howes and Krystal Russell once again proved to be too strong, gathering 50 hit outs combined. Although they had limited disposals of the ball, they created a major impact on the game.
Williamstown will look to their next game, against the fifth-place Carlton Blues on Saturday at IKON Park at 2:00 pm, aiming to get their eighth consecutive win.
Full Time Score
Williamstown: 5.4 (34)
Tasmania: 3.2 (20)
Goal Kickers: Zielinski (5)
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