By Lauren Wood, Williamstown Media
Williamstown has reached its third consecutive finals series – a remarkable run given the club had never qualified for VFLW finals before 2023.
The Seagulls will face Sandringham in an Elimination Final this Saturday, 9 August, at 11:05am at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval, after the Zebras finished one spot higher on the ladder securing the home ground advantage.
The stakes are high – the loser’s season will end, while the winner advances to a semi-final against the victor of the North Melbourne Werribee vs Collingwood Qualifying Final.
Williamstown has won just one of their last five matches and is coming off a Round 14 loss to Collingwood.
Sandringham, meanwhile, sits only two points ahead due to a draw and holds just 0.1% more in percentage. They also suffered a 17-point defeat to ladder leaders North Melbourne Werribee last weekend.
The two sides last met in Round 5, also at Sandringham’s home ground, with Williamstown edging out a thrilling one-point win.
This week, Georgia Howes and Megan Williamson return from injury and make up the two big inclusions for the forward line and midfield.
Howes has been sidelined for several weeks under concussion protocols after making her debut in Round 1 and playing every game until her concussion, kicking seven goals and averaging 15 hitouts per match.
The 183cm utility has had over a month out of the game, coming in fit and ready to go just in time for the Seagulls final campaign.
2024 Best and Fairest winner Williamson also returns after a knee injury in Round 12 against Darebin.
The deputy-leader had been selected for every game up until her injury, averaging 11 disposals and seven tackles across 12 matches. Despite missing the past two rounds, she still sits 13th in the competition for tackles.
To make way for Howes and Williamson, 2025 VFLW debutants Charlie Sette and Talia Motta have been omitted and moved to the emergencies list.
Round 14 inclusions Cat O’Bryan and Camryn Bux retain their spots, as do young stars Megan Smart, Mia D’Agostino and Ella Tyson, who have all overcome omissions at various points this year.
Speaking to Williamstown Media, Cavanagh is confident in his side going into the Elimination Final but isn’t underestimating a fired up Sandringham squad.
“It’s anyone’s game, but hopefully we take our learnings from last week and put our best foot forward,” he said.
“Getting into finals is not an easy thing to do in our league – two teams that beat us during the year didn’t make it – so I’m really looking forward to getting into it.”
Williamstown has no plans for their season to end just yet. After reaching the third week of finals last year and falling just short of the grand final, they’ll be doing everything possible to take that next step.
Match Details:
Saturday August 9th, at 11:05am
Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval, Sandringham
Can’t make it to the game? Watch live at afl.com.au or stay updated with live match scores via Williamstown Football Club’s Instagram, Facebook, and X.
Team Selection:
