By Malaya Rodezno, Williamstown Media
A sold-out crowd packed IKON Park on Sunday as perfect football conditions set the stage for Williamstown’s historic Grand Final.
From the very first bounce, the game was highly contested. Despite pressure from both clubs, North Melbourne Werribee first hit the scoreboard with a minor score.
North controlled the ball for most of the opening quarter, locking it inside their forward 50 and forcing Williamstown’s defence into constant action.
Despite the pressure, the Seagulls’ backline held firm, staying composed and turning away multiple scoring attempts.
Opening the goal-scoring was North, who were able to hit the scoreboard with a goal 14 minutes into the match.
A moment later, Teagan Brett took a spectacular and hard mark but was unable to convert a goal; rather, she kicked a minor score.
The Seagulls trailed North at the first break by 6 points.
Pressing forward, the Seagulls looked to attack in the opening minutes of the second quarter.
Close to converting, Mia Zielinski toe-poked the ball goalward, but a North defender got a fingertip to it, ruling the effort touched.
Locking the ball inside their forward 50, Williamstown threw everything at North to close the margin.
Despite the sustained pressure, each goal attempt was squeezed through for only a behind, leaving the Seagulls unable to make meaningful inroads.
Adding to the heartbreak, North kicked clear once more, slotting their second major and stretching the margin to 10 points at half-time.
As the crowd swelled in full voice, Williamstown fed off the energy. Emily Eaves, as she has done all season, put the Seagulls on her back, bursting through the pack and drilling their first goal of the match, trimming North’s lead to just four points.
Despite the Seagulls’ effort this quarter, North were able to hit back, kicking a set shot goal to extend their lead back out to 10 points at the final break.
Kicking away to start the final quarter, North converted another goal.
The Seagulls never stopped believing, but ultimately kicked themselves out of the contest, finishing with 1.6 and unable to capitalise on their opportunities.
Battling hard for Williamstown were midfielders Bella Smith and Emily Eaves. Smith gathered 19 disposals, a team high, 11 tackles and 6 clearances. Eaves collected 20 disposals, 5 tackles, 6 clearances and the Seagulls only goal.
Williamstown delivered a committed four-quarter performance, doing everything possible to stay in the contest, but ultimately fell just short.
With their campaign now complete, the Seagulls shift focus to the off-season and the work that will shape their next chapter.
Full Time Score
Williamstown: 1.6 (12)
Essendon: 4.1 (25)
Goal Kickers: Eaves
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