By Molly Magennis
Despite putting up a fight, Williamstown Seagulls VFLW were unable to take home a win against the undefeated Casey Demons on Saturday.
With Casey sitting on top of the ladder, heading into the match Gulls knew it would be a challenge.
While they were left goalless in the first term, Williamstown managed to claw their way back and get a few goals on the Demons, however it was too hard to halt an early lead from the league’s strongest team, and they suffered a 4.6 (30) to 8.3 (51) loss.
Coach Penny Cula-Reid said going into the match she knew it probably wasn’t going to be an even game, but was happy nonetheless that her girls gave it a good crack.
“I think it’s probably one of our better games in terms of where we’ve sort of come from in case you’re undefeated, the top of the lineup,” she said.
“All I really asked of the girls is just to have a crack, just give us effort.
“Like [being] really strong through the contests, make sure that you come off with your head held high and know that you’ve given it your all.”
Cula-Ried said the Gulls were presented with plenty of opportunities to score however, and was disappointed that they just didn’t make the most of these chances.
“I think there were just a couple of lapses of physicality or positioning that allowed Casey to score. You know, we had our opportunities to capitalise on a few of our really good passages of play but we just couldn’t kick the goals,” she said.
“We had ample opportunity and I think that’s why I’m quite disappointed at the fact that we lost when we also had the opportunity to win.”
Round eight also saw the whole VFLW league pay tribute to women’s football pioneer Ann Rulton.
A moment of silence was held for the trailblazer who passed away last Monday.
Rulton was integral in establishing the St Kilda City Sharks and the Darebin Falcons, as well as the VWFL (Victorian Women’s Football League). She is also a life member of both clubs.
“Women’s footy wouldn’t be the same without her contribution to the league,” Cula-Reid said.
Williamstown will have a week off during the Easter holidays, but will be back on the field when they take on Hawthorn on April 23 at Downer Oval.
BULLDOGS 3.0 4.0 7.2 8.3 (51)
SEAGULLS 0.0 2.4 4.5 4.6 (30)
