By Malaya Rodezno, Williamstown Media
Super Saturday finals football delivered a historic afternoon for the Seagulls in front of a home crowd at DSV Stadium.
From the very first bounce, the game was highly contested. Despite pressure from both clubs, Port Melbourne first hit the scoreboard with a minor score.
Port Melbourne controlled much of the play in the opening quarter but struggled to convert their opportunities onto the scoreboard. Eventually, their pressure paid off as they broke through for the first goal of the game.
The Seagulls were kept scoreless in the first quarter, as Port Melbourne had an 11-point lead at the first break.
Williamstown hit back seven minutes into the second quarter, with Mia Zielinski converting a downfield free kick to kick the Seagulls’ first goal of the game.
As the contest continued to heat up, the intensity spilled over, with ruck Lilly Pearce awarded the second downfield free kick of the game. Pearce made no mistake, converting to kick Williamstown’s second goal of the game and the quarter.
Pressing forward, the Seagulls again linked up through Lilu Hung and Megan Williamson, who found Teagan Brett on the lead.
Brett made no mistake, putting the Seagulls in front on the cusp of half-time and drawing a loud response from the Williamstown supporters.
An end-to-end passage of play saw the Seagulls extend their lead; however, Zielinski was unable to convert and instead, in strong winds, hit the post.
Moments later, an intelligent play from Zielinski allowed Neve Crowley to extend the lead by double digits.
Despite this, Port was able to respond, kicking a goal to squeeze the lead back to 7 points, setting up a classic final quarter finish.
To begin the fourth quarter, Port hit the scoreboard first, bringing the margin back to one solitary point.
Williamstown wrestled back momentum, but were unable to convert goals, instead kicking two points.
Port, however, did convert and took the 3-point lead, six minutes into the final quarter.
Intercepting down back, defender Zoe Day sent the ball back into Williamstown’s forward 50, hoping to reload.
Bursting through two defenders, Emily Eaves managed to get boot to ball and snap through her first goal, putting Williamstown back in front.
Continuing to move the ball forward, Eaves won the clearance before finding Zielinski on the lead inside their attacking forward 50.
Zielinski made no mistake, kicking the goal that sealed the game and sent Williamstown into their first-ever grand final appearance in the women’s program’s history.
Leading from the front for Williamstown were midfielders Bella Smith and Taelah Smith. Bella Smith collected 19 disposals (8 contested), 2 clearances and 6 tackles. Whilst Taelah Smith gathered 15 disposals, 6 marks, 2 clearances and 5 tackles.
The ruck duo of Georgia Howes and Lily Pearce again dominated, playing their roles by winning the hit-out count by 10. Howes finished with 19 hit-outs and 3 tackles, and Pearce posted 19 hit-outs, 6 tackles and a goal.
Ultimately, the game proved to be Williamstown’s best performance of the season, as the Seagulls fought back from behind to snatch a thrilling two-point victory over Port Melbourne.
The Seagulls will begin their grand final preparations on Sunday at 11am at IKON Park, with hopes of bringing home the trophy for the first time in the women’s program’s history.
Full Time Score
Williamstown: 6.4 (40)
Essendon: 5.8 (38)
Goal Kickers: Zielinski (2), Brett, Crowley, Eaves, Pearce
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