Williamstown is stamping itself as a top six side in the Victorian Football League women’s competition.
Last season’s minor premiers, the Seagulls have kicked into gear and have won their last five matches.
The most recent one came on Saturday at home against Essendon.
Seagulls coach Liam Cavanagh said they were starting to play some really good football.
“It has been good,” he said. “We felt like the middle block of the year was the most challenging,” he said.
“We wanted to win three of our five matches and we’ve been able to beat that already. We have one left before the back half.
“We’re improving every week.”
Cavanagh walked away from the game with the Bombers happy as they kept another likely finals side goal less.
Neither team kicked a goal in the first quarter before the Seagulls kicked two in the second quarter.
Another two extended the lead out to 17 points at the last break.
It was an arm wrestle in the final quarter with the Seagulls winning, 4.3 (27)-0.11 (11).
“A lot of their behinds were rushed,” Cavanagh said. “We felt like we controlled it for the majority of the day.
“We had some good looks and we were able to take some of the stuff Essendon tried to do. We were able to scrap and salvage it when Essendon had their moments.”
Cavanagh said a result like that would give them plenty of confidence heading into the back end of the season.
Jemima Wrigley had 22 disposals for the Seagulls, while Emily Eaves had 21.
Shanie Whiting kicked three goals and was a real target up forward.
Cavanagh said they had really played around with Whiting and where they used her.
“It’s part for Sharnie and part for the team,” he said.
“We can play her in any position. We felt we were lacking polish down back and she is one of our better ball users so we put her down back.
“When we need more firepower we move her forward. We play her where there’s the most value.”
Zoe Day, Laura Blue and Georgia Howes were the other standouts for the Seagulls.
In a good sign for the side, there is pressure on for spots with a number of players performing well at the lower level.
Cavanagh said it was hard picking who would play each week, let alone who they named as an emergency.
The Seagulls now face their biggest challenge this week, taking on reigning premiers North Melbourne Werribee.
The Kangaroos sit atop the ladder, also with a 7-2 record.
Cavanagh said they were keen for the challenge.
“They are a very good side,” he said. “We missed out last time.
“We were in the game at three quarter time and then ran out of legs off a five day break.
“We’re more connected as a team and playing better footy than last time.”
