Tara Murray
There were plenty of positive signs for Williamstown despite a first up loss against the Gold Coast Suns in the Victorian Football League.
The new look Seagulls were given a good test first up on Saturday, facing a Suns side that was made up mostly of AFL-listed players.
It was that experience that proved to be the difference in the 12.11 (83)-7.10 (52) result.
Seagulls director of coaching Jeff Andrews said they were pleased with how the match went despite the result.
“We ticked everything except the result,” he said.
“They had 20-odd AFL players and they are a bloody good side. That AFL experience and a pre-season in those warm steamy conditions really helped them.
Andrews said the Suns were a little more polished with the ball than they were, with the Seagulls still learning how to play together.
He said in the end, a poor second quarter proved costly and they could never get any closer than two goals after that.
“They managed to get a bit of a buffer and they were able to hold us out.”
Another positive outcome for the Seagulls was getting game time into some players who needed it and everyone getting through the game without injury.
He said in the end it was a great hit out against a really good side.
Corey Ellison the only multiple goal scorer with two
James Cousins had 21 possessions, while Marty Hore and Ben Jolley had 20 possessions each.
Andrews said Oscar McDonald put in a strong performance down back, while Jolley was really important on the wing getting plenty of the ball and defensively.
The Seagulls this week face Frankston on Friday night.
“This is the first match of four games against standalone sides,” Andrews said.
“They didn’t play on the weekend so we haven’t got a feel for where they are at. The next block we’ll get a good idea of where we stand.”
Meanwhile the Seagulls women’s side suffered a first round loss to Collingwood on Saturday.
The Seagulls did the early attacking to lead by 13 points at quarter time after holding the Magpies scoreless in the first quarter.
The Seagulls were held scoreless after quarter time, with the Magpies coming over the top to win, 3.10 (28)-2.1 (13).
Sharnie Whiting had 31 possessions for the Seagulls.
The Seagulls this week face North Melbourne on Saturday.
