By Lauren Wood, Williamstown Media
Cat, 43, and Ash, who turns 36 later this month, have both been selected for this morning’s Elimination Final against Sandringham at Trevor Barker Beach Oval.
With the knockout nature of the clash, a loss would mark the end of their playing careers — but, just like the rest of the blue and gold, they’re determined to push deep into August.
O’Bryan’s football journey began in 2006 with the St Kilda Sharks at age 24, having grown up in the country with limited opportunities to play the game she loved.
After 21 games with the Sharks, she moved to Melbourne University Football Club in 2009, spending nearly a decade there — a period that also included a stint with West Preston–Lakeside Football Club.
After a brief break from the game over COVID, O’Bryan returned to Melbourne University in the VAFA before moving to Coburg Football Club in 2023.
“Coburg was where I met Beachy (Justin Beach) and he invited me here down to Willi,” she said.
Despite rumours she would retire from local football while at Coburg, Williamstown secured her signature ahead of the 2024 campaign.
“It’s an interesting recruiting strategy when you go and find a 41-year-old to add to your list but we knew we needed a different look in the ruck, so we gave it a go and she’s been fantastic,” said Senior Coach Liam Cavanagh.
“She sets a good example of being present while being really competitive as well.”
Over her two seasons at DSV Stadium, she has played 19 games, holding the starting ruck position when possible while proving to be an important mentor for the team’s developing rucks.
O’Bryan now holds the record for the oldest player to ever play for Williamstown in the VFL and VFLW.
“Even though I come in at 43, I sort of don’t feel it when I’m out there on the track. I’ve learned a lot about fake tan, and I rediscovered that I have an Instagram account,” she joked.
“But it’s a privilege that Cav has entrusted me in his game plan and it’s been phenomenal to be part of this. I’m really excited about the next few weeks but I’m grateful and going to retire with a full heart. The next chapter for me is my family — it’s time for the kids to invest in their passions now.”
Thorneycroft’s senior career began at Shepparton Women’s Football Club, where across 2018 and 2019 she kicked 30 goals in 27 games and featured in the best players 19 times.
In 2021 she made the jump to Melbourne footy with Pascoe Vale in the EDFL before signing with Carlton’s VFLW side in 2022.
Over two seasons at IKON Park, she played 24 games, recorded 10 best-player performances, kicked seven goals, and in 2023 shared Carlton’s VFLW Best & Fairest.
Williamstown signed her ahead of the 2024 season, with the midfielder notching 16 games in her debut year in blue and gold while also serving as the club’s midfield development coach.
She was runner-up in last year’s Best & Fairest after leading the team in disposals and tackles, and initially announced her VFLW retirement last November. But the lure of one more campaign proved too strong.
“There were some things I still wanted to achieve this year,” Thorneycroft explained.
“Success is something I’m really hungry for, and I do believe you all have what it takes to have a real crack at it this year.”
After five games for Hillside in the EDFL, she made a surprise return in Round 5 and has played every game since.
In Round 14 she celebrated her 50th VFLW game, and her best performance came against her former club Carlton, recording 21 disposals and 13 tackles.
“I definitely wasn’t sure in myself if I still had something to offer this year, but Cav backed me in — which I’m really thankful for — and I’m definitely glad that I came back to play with you guys,” she said.
“I feel very lucky that I’ve ended up here and get to play my last VFLW games with this group but my body just won’t go the same anymore, and there are so many girls pushing for a spot in this team who really deserve it.”
Following both announcements on Wednesday, Cavanagh closed the evening by addressing the pair, saying, “Thank you for giving us the next four weeks. I really hope we can make it special for you.”
For O’Bryan and Thorneycroft, today’s Elimination Final represents more than just a shot at progression in the 2025 finals series — it’s the next step in a farewell campaign they hope will end with silverware.
First bounce is 11:05am at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval, and Seagulls supporters are encouraged to get behind the side as they look to extend two remarkable VFLW careers for at least another week.
