After a tough couple of weeks, Williamstown is back on the winners list with a focus on a top two spot in the Victorian Football League women’s competition.
The Seagulls had dropped their last three games to take them from sitting comfortably in the top six, to needing to win to ensure a finals berth.
On Sunday, the Seagulls showed some positive signs against top two side Box Hill Hawks to come away with a 5.5 (35)-3.9 (27) win.
Seagulls coach Liam Cavanagh said it had been a long couple of weeks.
“It was nice to get back on the winners list,” he said. “We got off to a good start and I thought it would have been a lot closer early on.
“We kicked three or four early on and then we were able to manage the clock a little bit and not take too many risks.
“We were still trying to score and were able to have a good look at the game as we were in a comfortable position.”
Cavanagh said they had started in the previous rounds when they didn’t get the job done.
He said their focus was trying to manage momentum when the opposition had a run on, instead of trying to stop it.
“It’s been the second, third and fourth quarters where we haven’t been able to sustain what we’re doing.
“We had to make sure when we were flying we were kicking goals and when the other team was flying that they weren’t kicking goals.
“We took a lot out of the game against a top two side.”
There were plenty of positives for the Seagulls, none more pleasing than captain Eliza Straford returning after a serious knee injury.
Cavanagh said she had a massive impact.
“She had 16 touches and two goals and was huge for us,” he said. “Her leadership on field, she was awesome.”
Emily Eaves, who has been captaining the side, played her 50th VFL game in another big moment for the team.
The Seagulls fielded another debutant, with 19-year-old Charli Sette getting her opportunity.
It comes after Talia Motta made her debut the week before,
“You usually don’t get too many debutants at this time of year,” Cavanagh said. “You typically have the side set.
“It’s been a bit of injuries and moving the magnets.
“Another one back into the side is Megan Smart and she was in the top three possession getters.
“Mia D’Agostino was a late call up and was really good. They are finding their feet and putting it all together.”
The Seagulls have a much needed bye before a final round clash with Collingwood.
Cavanagh said they were hoping to get three or four players back after the bye.
While they could still miss finals, Cavanagh said that wasn’t what they were focusing on.
“We’re highly likely to stay in there,” he said.
“We are gunning for a top two spot. We need a big win to finish second and that is what we will be aiming for.”
