By Lauren Wood, Williamstown Media
The Williamstown Seagulls return to their home ground for Round 14 following the league bye.
Ahead of the 5th vs 2nd clash with the Magpies, Cavanagh has made two omissions, with 2025 recruits Ruby Mahony and Krystal Russell making way.
Coming into the side are ruck Cat O’Bryan and defender Camryn Bux.
O’Bryan has featured in six games this season, most recently in Round 7 against the Western Bulldogs.
Across her appearances, she has kicked two goals and averaged 20.3 hitouts, including a dominant 43-hitout performance against Geelong in Round 3.
After two months sidelined with a hamstring injury, O’Bryan has now been cleared to return and will take her place in the ruck for the blue and gold.
Joining her is first-year Seagull Camryn Bux, who debuted in Round 4 and also played in Round 5 before being omitted.
Since late May, Bux has been consistently impressive at local level with Essendon Doutta Stars in the EDFL Premier Division, named in the best players every week.
Wearing number 20, she’ll be aiming to build on her two VFLW games, in which all 12 of her disposals have been kicks.
After being a late inclusion in Round 13’s win over Box Hill, Mia D’Agostino retains her spot as Chloe Bain recovers from concussion.
Mahony and Russell have been named among the six emergencies, while 11 Seagulls will feature at local level – an indication that the injury list is clearing.
Round 14 will also see the club celebrate Ash Thorneycroft’s 50th VFLW game.
The tough midfielder joined the Seagulls in 2024 as both a player and midfield development coach, going on to play 25 games for Williamstown – just edging her 24-game stint with former club Carlton.
Runner-up in last year’s Best & Fairest after leading the team in disposals and tackles, Thorneycroft initially announced her VFLW retirement last November.
However, after five games for Hillside in the EDFL, she excited Seagulls supporters by making a surprise return in Round 5.
Her standout performance this year came against her former club, recording 21 disposals and 13 tackles.
Thorneycroft’s leadership will be vital as the Gulls face the Magpies in their final game of the 2025 home-and-away season.
There’s plenty on the line for Williamstown, who could finish as high as second but also face the risk of missing finals altogether.
The first bounce is set for 10:05am at DSV Stadium. Make sure you’re there to cheer on Ash and the team as they fight for a finals berth.
Match Details:
Saturday August 2nd, at 10:05am
DSV Stadium, Williamstown
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:
