Lilly Pearce
Williamstown Football Club welcomes Lilly Pearce, a 23-year-old ruck arriving from Geelong with valuable AFLW system experience. Pearce was listed with Richmond in 2023 before joining Geelong in 2024, while also honing her craft at VFLW level with Collingwood.
Known for her competitiveness in the ruck and developing around-the-ground impact, she brings both athleticism and height to the Seagulls. With her best football still ahead of her, the club is excited to see her continue to grow and establish herself as a key presence in the ruck division.
Bella Smith
A dynamic 22-year-old forward, Bella Smith joins the Seagulls from Geelong, adding proven AFLW experience to the front half. Originally from Queensland, Smith has played 12 AFLW games across four seasons, spending two years in Brisbane’s program (2022–2023) before moving to Geelong (2024–2025).
Her ability to hit the scoreboard and apply forward pressure makes her a valuable attacking asset. Williamstown will be looking forward to seeing her translate that elite-level exposure into consistent VFLW impact as she continues to develop her forward craft.
Naomi Ferres
Highly decorated midfielder Naomi Ferres brings elite pedigree to Williamstown after an outstanding eight-season stint with the Bulldogs across AFLW and VFLW competitions.
Drafted with pick No. 3 in the 2017 AFLW Rookie Draft, Ferres made an immediate impression, earning a Rising Star nomination in 2018 and playing a role in the Bulldogs’ premiership that same year. Now 28, she offers leadership, experience, and inside-ball strength through the midfield. The Seagulls are eager to see Ferres’ professionalism and winning mentality elevate the group.
Maighan Fogas
Experienced midfielder Maighan Fogas arrives at Williamstown with a wealth of football experience across multiple levels. The 30-year-old finished runner-up in Geelong’s 2018 VFLW best and fairest before being drafted to the AFLW later that year, debuting in 2019.
Most recently, she has been playing with Southport in the QAFLW during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Fogas is known for her consistency, work rate, and composure in the midfield, and the Seagulls are excited to see her bring maturity and balance to the on-ball brigade.
Lilu Hung
At just 20 years old, Lilu Hung shapes as one of the most exciting young additions to Williamstown’s list. The 176cm key forward and former Brisbane Lions Academy prospect joins from St Kilda, bringing strong marking ability and versatility as a utility.
Despite an injury-interrupted 2023 season due to stress fractures, Hung earned an AFLW Draft Combine invitation, underlining her potential. Originally from Queensland, she has shown promising signs in the QAFLW, and the Seagulls are looking forward to nurturing her development into a dangerous key-position option.
Ellie McLinden
Ellie McLinden adds leadership and experience to Williamstown’s defensive unit after four strong seasons with Box Hill in the VFLW. The 28-year-old has played over 50 games at the level and captained the side in 2025, highlighting her standing as a respected leader. A reliable defender with strong game sense and composure, McLinden will play an important role in organising the backline.
The Seagulls are excited to see her leadership qualities and consistency make an immediate impact both on and off the field.
These signings reflect Williamstown’s focus on strengthening its list with AFLW experience and proven VFLW leadership, as the club builds towards a strong and competitive 2026 season.
Further list updates will be announced in due course.
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