Played over 25-minute flat quarters with no time-on under the new practice match rules, the hit-out provided a valuable opportunity for the Seagulls to trial combinations, build match fitness and welcome several fresh faces into the blue and gold.
The Seagulls wasted no time asserting their dominance in the opening term. Strong defensive pressure and clean rebounding out of defensive 50 laid the foundation early, with Williamstown winning the clearance battle and locking the ball inside their forward half for much of the first 15 minutes.
Despite some inaccuracy in front of goal, the territorial advantage was clear. A quick kick from a forward-50 stoppage produced the Seagulls’ third major, before a clean centre clearance led to a running goal from 50 metres out for their fourth.
Frankston capitalised on a holding-the-ball free kick to move the ball quickly and register their second scoring shot, but it did little to slow Williamstown’s momentum. By quarter-time, the Seagulls held a commanding 29–7 lead; a margin that could have been even greater with cleaner finishing.
Williamstown’s dominance intensified in the second term, piling on 11 consecutive goals in a ruthless display of transitional football.
A quick snap from a throw-in after repeat inside 50 entries extended the lead early, before a centre clearance and clever kick out the back of the pack resulted in the Seagulls’ seventh goal. Slick ball movement off half-back continued to expose a stretched Frankston defence, with another goal coming over the back.
D’Intinosante also notched his first goal in blue and gold to get his name on the scoreboard in the second term, while Fritzgerald added to the tally with a classy finish on the run to push the lead beyond nine goals.
With both sides rotating heavily through the third quarter, the contest opened up and fatigue began to show.
Williamstown controlled the early stages, though Frankston found some momentum with a run off the wing resulting in their second goal. They added two more in quick succession, including a well-taken set shot from 45 metres out, narrowing the margin in a brief surge.
Frankston continued to apply pressure from stoppages — an area that could have been fiercer from the Seagulls — and managed four goals for the term. At three-quarter time, Williamstown maintained a strong 88–32 lead.
The final quarter began in ideal fashion, with a quick centre clearance finding a leading forward in Conway, who marked and converted inside the opening 10 seconds.
Although the final term was more contested and evenly balanced between the arcs, Williamstown continued to capitalise on turnovers.
Minton-Connell battled hard inside 50 all afternoon and was rewarded with his third goal after earlier struggles to convert, highlighting the persistence of the Seagulls’ forward line.
Ultimately, the damage was done in a blistering first half, where Williamstown’s pressure, clearance work and ball movement proved decisive.
The Seagulls finished with 16 goals to claim a 113–41 victory in their opening practice match of the pre-season; a promising sign as preparations continue toward Round 1.
With valuable minutes into the legs and several positive individual performances, the focus now shifts to building consistency and sharpening execution in front of goal as the 2026 season fast approaches.
Full Time Score
Williamstown Seagulls: 17.11.113
Frankston Dolphins: 6.5.41
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