By Malaya Rodezno, Williamstown Media
Sunday morning football saw the Seagulls record a confident win at Trevor Barker Oval, equalling top spot along with North Melbourne and Collingwood.
The Seagulls welcomed back forward Teagan Brett, whilst Dalia Edward put on the blue and gold colours for the first time.
From the very first bounce, Williamstown attacked the contest. Ruck Georgia Howes delivered a clean tap-out to give Emily Eaves the chance to win the first clearance of the game.
Howes continued the Seagulls’ dominance at stoppage, delivering a clean tap to Eaves before powering through defenders and slotting the opening goal with sheer strength.
Minutes later, Sandringham scored a goal to level the game seven minutes in. Getting out the back, Sandringham kicked another goal against the run of play, taking the lead by 6 points.
Constant pressure from Sandringham limited Williamstown’s opportunities to gain any momentum.
Again, Sandringham kicked a goal, taking an 11-point lead into the first break.
Starting the second quarter, Williamstown dominated territory; however, they were unable to convert any goals, limiting themselves to a handful of points.
Turning something into nothing, Mia Zielinksi kicked a goal from the right boundary to squeeze Sandringham’s lead to 5 points.
Again, Howes provided a great hit out to Megan Williamson, who placed the ball at the top of the goal square, allowing Zielinski to hit the scoreboard once again.
Williamstown held a 1-point lead at halftime.
Sandringham were the first to respond early, converting a goal 25 seconds into the third quarter.
A high free kick awarded to Eliza Staford allowed the Seagulls their first use inside the forward 50. Unselfish football by the Gulls allowed Gabby De’Angelis to kick a bending snap around her body, as Williamstown took back the lead.
Constant pressure and attack all over the ground, both teams tried to wrestle back momentum.
Williamstown had a 5-point lead, leading into the final break.
The Seagulls hit the scoreboard first in the fourth quarter, with a clean tap from Krystall Russell putting it in the hands of Megan Williamson converting a stoppage goal.
Continuing with the run of the play, Williamtown overran Sandringham, as Brett kicked the sealer around her body.
The Williamstown defenders ran and surged with the ball and worked well as a defensive unit, always presenting first to meet the ball.
Defensive pressure by the Williamstown back six managed to put the game to bed.
Seagulls ultimately won the game by 19 points as they limited Sandringham’s goalless score in the last term.
The Seagulls’ domination started from the middle, as Williamstown generated its scores through midfield pressure and clean clearances.
Doing it all for Williamstown were midfielders Emily Eaves and Megan Williamson. Eaves collected 19 disposals, 4 tackles, 10 handballs, and 1 goal.
Whilst Williamson gathered 11 disposals and a team high 7 tackles. Ruck duo, Georgia Howes and Krystall Russell dominated, winning the hit outs 57 to 15.
Forward Mia Zielenski was instrumental in the win, kicking two goals to add to her goal tally this season.
The Seagulls will now turn their attention to the upcoming game on Sunday against Essendon at home at DSV Stadium, hoping to extend their winning streak.
Final Score:
Williamstown: 6.11 (47)
Sandringham: 4.4 (28)
Best Players: Zielinski, Howes, T. Smith, Eaves
Goal Kickers: Zielinski (2), Brett, De Angelis, Eaves, Fogas
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