Tara Murray
Williamstown continues to show good signs in the Victorian Football League Women’s competition despite not getting the win on the weekend.
The Seagulls have been one of the bigger improvers this season and for three quarters played some really good football against the reigning premiers Essendon.
The Bombers were able to find another level in the final quarter, kicking three goals to one, to seal a 4.6 (30)-3.3 (21).
Seagulls coach Liam Cavanagh said they missed some chances early in the game to take the match away from the Bombers.
“I’m watching it back and it’s less about the final quarter,” he said.
“It was more about the first three quarters when we had a lot of chances. They kicked three goals to one in the last quarter, but it should not have been the game.
“We had a lot of chances to score, but Essendon kept coming.”
Cavanagh said this was part of the learning process the squad was trying to build on every week.
He said they were getting good periods of play where they were nailing everything, but were still learning how to handle other scenarios on field.
“The one thing is that we have been in every game,” he said.
“We have one of the best percentages outside the top six and had we won yesterday and kicked two more goals we would have been in the top six.
“That’s not something we’ve had before, being relevant at this point of the season. There’s lots to be excited about.”
Cavanagh said with the improvement they’re expecting to come they are nowhere out of the finals race.
Sarah Cameron continued her good form up forward for the Seagulls, kicking two goals. Cavanagh said she continued to be a target for the side.
Nicole Julian, playing against her former side, led the way with 23 possessions providing plenty of run off half back.
The match also saw the debut of Eloise Freeman.
Cavanagh said she did really well for her first outing.
“El had 11 tackles and 10 touches, it was massive for her. It’s a fantastic reward for her.
“The VFLW has been a steep learning curve for her, but she has really attacked it.”
The Seagulls this week face the Western Bulldogs. The Bulldogs have one win from their first six matches.
Cavanagh said it would be an interesting battle.
“We played them in a practice match just before the season started,” he said. “There were a couple of goals in it.
“They are a better side than what the results suggest. It will be really challenging and it will take four quarters to get it done.
The Seagulls men’s side had a bye.
