By Malaya Rodezno, Williamstown Media
Saturday morning football saw the Seagulls win confidently at DSV Stadium, effectively resulting in Essendon recording their lowest score of the season.
The Seagulls made one change before the game, with experienced utility Chloe Bain securing her first match of the season after returning from injury.
Inside the first 10 minutes of the game, the ball was congested and difficult to transition for both teams.
However, Georgia Howes, along with several other key Williamstown defenders, stood firm and intercepted numerous shots on goal from Essendon, effectively shutting it down on the last line of defence.
Essendon had the lead 0-2 at the first break.
Entering the second quarter, the Seagulls started to lift their intensity, winning a free kick in the middle.
Teagan Brett kicked the ball towards midfielder Emily Eaves, who broke through a tackle, efficiently kicking it to the hotspot.
Crumbing the ball was Sharnie Whiting, reading the ball beautifully before slotting the goal five meters out, three minutes into the quarter.
Nine minutes on, Whiting kicked another goal, as the Seagulls dominated with relentless pressure and link-up play, as Whiting used smart forward craft to slot through her second goal.
Williamstown held a 10-point lead at halftime.
The Seagulls did all the attacking and were able to move the ball forward, with their defence in control to start the third quarter.
Starting the quarter strong, Williamstown again scored within the opening minutes.
All three key forwards, Whiting, Crowley and Howes, produced a link-up play, as Howes brought down a sensational mark, against the wind and run of play.
The Williamstown defenders ran and surged with the ball and worked well as a defensive unit, always presenting first to meet the ball.
Building on this, the Seagulls rummaged the ball forward in the vicinity of Whiting, before kicking back-to-back games with three goals.
Entering the final break, Essendon had all the opportunities but could not convert.
Defensive pressure by the Williamstown back six managed to put the game to bed.
The Seagulls’ domination started from the back half, as Williamstown generated their scores through intercept marks.
Doing it all for Williamstown was the Seagulls’ on-ball duo of Emily Eaves and Megan Williamson. Eaves collected 21 disposals (17 contested), 6 tackles, 9 clearances, and disposed of the ball at 71%. Whilst Williamson gathered 10 disposals, 11 tackles and 3 clearances.
Krystal Russell battled in the ruck, rallying 27 hit outs, 2 clearances and 2 inside 50s. Alongside Sharnie Whiting, who kicked 3 goals for the second game in a row.
Defender Jemima Wrigley played a key role in the win, racking up 22 disposals, 4 tackles, 7 intercept possessions whilst, maintaining a 72% disposal efficiency.
Williamstown held Essendon goalless for the entire game, taking full advantage of their home ground.
The Seagulls will now turn their attention to the upcoming game on Saturday against ladder-leading North Melbourne Werribee at DSV Stadium, hoping to extend their winning streak.
Final Score:
WILLIAMSTOWN 0.0 | 2.0 | 4.1 | 4.3 (27)
ESSENDON 0.2 | 1.4| 0.8 | 0.11 (11)
Best Players: Eaves, Howes, Whiting, Wrigley, Thorneycroft, Williamson
Goal Kickers: Whiting (3), Howes
