By Malaya Rodezno, Williamstown Media
A windy ANZAC Day delivered a tight contest between reigning premiers North Melbourne and 2024 minor premiers Williamstown at Arden Street Oval.
A late change called for defender Zara Guss to make her Williamstown debut against her old club, in place of Robyn Randell.
The Seagulls won the first clearance of the match and gained all the territory in the game’s early stages.
Williamstown struck first with a goal from Neve Crowley, who took a snap on the left from the pocket and took full advantage of the holding the ball free kick.
Trying with an aggressive approach, the Seagulls looked to kick it inside through the corridor; however, North picked it off and looked to go inside 50, registering a point for their first score of the game.
Constant pressure from Williamstown trapped the ball within their forward 50 for most of the quarter, allowing them to take a 5-point lead into the second quarter.
The second term provided many scoring opportunities for both teams. Gaby De Angelis converted the Seagulls’ second goal of the game, showing composure and slotting through her first goal as a Seagull, as she was tackled high.
With constant 1v1s all over the ground, the second quarter proved to be a tight contest. The Williamstown defenders kept their feet and created contests all over the ground.
By forcing the ball forward and harassing North with pressure, Williamstown was able to produce another goal through Teagan Brett, putting the Seagulls in front.
However, North Melbourne Werribee quickly responded with their own goal, adding to the many lead changes within the quarter.
The Seagulls got right to work to begin the third quarter. In the opening minute, Emily Eaves managed to kick a goal on the back of her pressure from the stoppage.
Neve Crowley and Mia D’Agostino stood tall, creating many options up the line, allowing repeat entries into the forward 50.
But once again, North responded and kicked back-to-back goals, leading by 9 points at the final break.
Williamstown tried to wrestle momentum back their way to begin the final quarter, as they looked to put pressure on North with repeat entries into their forward 50.
Regardless, the Kangaroos were able to pull away by kicking the last three goals to seal the game.
The Seagulls played to the final siren; however, they ran out of time.
Despite the loss, Williamstown was accurate in front of goal and won the tackle count 55-71.
Emily Eaves was very effective throughout the game, collecting 21 disposals, 6 tackles, 9 clearances and a goal.
India Barker also provided a spark in the middle, collecting 11 disposals, 10 kicks and 4 tackles.
The goals were spread out among the team, with four different contributors.
Williamstown will now focus on their first home game next week against Geelong at DSV Stadium, hoping to get back on the winners’ list.
Final Score:
WILLIAMSTOWN 1.0 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 4.1 (25)
NORTH MELBOURNE WERRIBEE 0.1 | 3.1| 5.3 | 6.8 (44)
Best Players: Eaves, Barker, De Angelis, Williamson, D’Agostino
Goal Kickers: Brett, Eaves, Crowley, De Angelis
