Williamstown finds itself in the unusual position of being 0-2 in the Victorian Football League.
With a number of key players missing through injury, the Seagulls were on the end of a disappointing result for the second straight week.
Facing Southport, the Seagulls were in the game until halftime before falling away, with Southport winning, 18.11 (119)-10. 2 (62).
Seagulls coach Justin Plapp admits they are going through a tough period.
“We have few injuries and it’s really hurting us,” he said. “It’s players who make a difference with their experience.
“There’s six or seven that are in our best 22 and most of those guys are leadership type of players.”
Leading those who is missing at the moment is captain Cameron Polson. Nick Mellington, Harrison Macreadie and Corey Rich are others who are on the side lines.
Plapp said it showed against Southport that they were missing that leadership.
“We played an opposition on the weekend that is a good team with a lot of experience,” he said.
“When you’re missing six or seven players it puts too much pressure on the young players and that’s what we are facing.”
Plapp said he was happy with the first half of football, but in the end they were beaten by a better, more physical team.
He said they would learn from the result and move on to this week.
Joel Ottavi kicked six goals for the Seagulls in the loss.
James Cousins led the way with 28 possessions and Teia Miles had 26 possessions.
Plapp said in the absence of the senior guys there were some younger players starting to step up.
He said Finbar O’Dwyer who was on Carlton’s AFL list, Noah Gadsby and Charlie Molan had come into the team and played some really good football.
Plapp said they were hoping that some of the other guys would filter back into the team the next few weeks.
The Seagulls this week face Casey.
“We would expect in the next two to three weeks they will filter back into the team,” Plapp said.
“There’s no long term injuries. We have a league bye in round five and whether they’re back before then we’re not sure.”
The Seagulls women’s side lost a low scoring affair against the Darebin Falcons.
In tough conditions, the Falcons won 2.3 (15)-0.3 (3).
Sharnie Whiting had 19 possessions in the loss.
Tara Murray
