By Molly Magennis
The Williamstown Seagulls have come back from the break with a bang, defeating Port Melbourne by 30 points.
The win marked the Gull’s first victory since round two, and has come as a welcome morale and confidence boost for the team.
Following Williamstown’s tough loss to North Melbourne, coach Penny Cula-Reid said she hoped the week-long break would act as a “circuit breaker”.
Tough conversations were had during this time to try and assess exactly where the team were headed going forward.
It was these discussions, along with the return of ‘A-grade players’ Ruby Tripodi and Tayla Dinnucio, that contributed to the team’s much needed win on the weekend.
“It was a little bit of a tough conversation for both parties because I put it back on them to say, what can I do to improve what do you want to see? What changes would you like to see, what do you want to see more of, what do you want to see less of?” she said.
“It was really good to have those one-on-one conversations and open up communication with the players and build that relationship.”
High pressure players Tripodi and Dinnucio, who were both sick for the match against North Melbourne, made their return in round six and made a notable difference.
Tripodi managed 16 disposals and five tackles and Dinnucio scored a major for the Gulls, while also racking up 11 disposals and six tackles of her own.
AFLW listed player Aimee Whelan, who previously played for the Gull’s, also made a return, which Cula-Reid said really boosted the girls morale.
“I think there was a really good momentum swing once you know Aimee was available to play and we had Ruby back, we had Tayla back, [there were] good vibes around the group,” she said.
“I think on the weekend was the first time that I actually saw our girls connect on the field.”
Williamstown absolutely dominated with their inside 50’s, something they have struggled with previously, managing 42 to Port’s 18.
This, Cula-Reid said, represented just how connected the whole team was on the field, from the setup in backline to the pressure in the midfield, it all contributed to getting goals on the scoreboard.
“Our backs have been working on their setup….so they structured up really well which allowed us to get those repeat entries and our forwardline have been working on their pressure.”
“Winning in the midfield, our forwards being able to put the pressure on and hit the ball in there and then our backs being able to rebound, it all just started to fall into place.”
The Seagulls will take on Darebin this Saturday April 2 on home turf from 2pm.
PORT MELBOURNE 1.1 2.2 2.2 3.4 (22)
WILLIAMSTOWN 1.3 4.4 6.6 7.10 (52)
