Tara Murray
Williamstown is left rueing missed chances in its first two Victorian Football League Women’s seasons matches.
The Seagulls are without a win after the opening two rounds, but have shown signs that they have improved from last year.
Coach Liam Cavanagh said they had mixed feelings about the results, knowing they were in winnable positions.
“It’s been interesting,” he said. “I think we’ve missed a lot of opportunities.
“We’ve shown so much progress and the margin is significantly reduced from last year.
“We now have to get out of the habit of honourable losses.
“It’s disappointing, but it’s all part of the journey.”
Cavanagh said after some strong practice match form their optimism had increased, but admits there will still be challenges and losses among the growth.
On Saturday, the Seagulls faced North Melbourne.
The Kangaroos led at every break in the 5.5 (35)-3.6 (24).
Cavanagh said it was the start that proved costly for them.
“The game was decided in the first three and half minutes,” he said. “We outscored them the rest of the day.
“They had the first two centre clearances which resulted in goals. We didn’t play to the level that we would have liked, but North Melbourne were good.
“We were plus-nine in inside 50s, we couldn’t execute on the day.”
It was all single goal kickers for the Seagulls.
Emily Eaves and Ruby Tripodi had 21 possessions apiece in the loss.
Cavanagh said that Eaves had come on leaps and bounds and along with Jasmine Kawa, was thrown around to help solve problems throughout the day.
Tripodi was another one of the best for the Seagulls.
Cavanagh said Tripodi was averaging an extra five possessions a game this season, averaging more than 20 possessions a game. He said she would be on the radar of AFLW clubs for the draft that was due to be held on Tuesday, after deadline.
He said there was probably a couple of players that could be in content to be drafted.
“I think a lot of AFL clubs have got an eye on her [Tripodi] for the draft,” he said.
“It’s bad for us, but anyway she can get in the AFLW system, I’m all for it.”
The Seagulls this week face Port Melbourne on Good Friday.
Having beaten them in the pre-season, Cavanagh said they take some confidence into the game, but know it will be a challenge.
Meanwhile, the Seagulls men’s side got their first win of the season against Frankston on Friday night.
The Seagulls led all night against an inaccurate Dolphins, coming away with the win 11.8 (74)-5.17 (47).
Darby Henderson and Joel Ottavi kicked three goals each for the Seagulls.
Marty Hore had 25 disposals for the Seagulls, while James Cousins had 23.
The Seagulls men’s side also faces Port Melbourne on Good Friday.
