The Seagulls are hitting 2026 full throttle. Eliza Straford, successfully returning this year from a season-ending ACL injury in 2024, is back at the nest and to her best – and she’s ready to lead the blue and gold once again.
The fearless forward wasted no time in making her mark in 2025, slotting two goals, collecting 16 disposals and laying seven tackles in her comeback-from-injury match against Box Hill.
At 29, Straford has played 129 VFLW games, kicked 46 goals, and earned 67 best-on-ground honours.
Originally recruited from the Eastern Devils, her presence in the locker room and on the field has become the beating heart of Williamstown’s VFLW program.
Joining Straford is Georgia Howes, the 183cm ruck recruited from Casey Demons.
Howes made her debut for the Seagulls in Round 1 against the Bulldogs, and quickly established herself as a key contributor.
Across 12 matches in 2025, she averaged 16 hitouts per game and kicked eight goals, demonstrating her value in both the ruck and up forward.
Her standout performance came in Round 8 against her former side, Casey Demons, where she dominated with 29 hitouts and capped it off with a clutch late goal – a highlight that quickly made its way onto the season reel.
With skipper Straford leading from the front and promising ruck Georgia Howes anchoring the back, Williamstown’s VFLW is off to a strong start as they prepare for the 2026 season.
