Tara Murray
Williamstown’s Victorian Football League women’s finals hopes are in its own hands with the side inside the top six with two rounds remaining.
The Seagulls made it four wins in a row, as they handled both the weather and the Western Bulldogs to come away with a 5.5 (35)-1.4 (10) win.
Seagulls coach Liam Cavanagh said it was a match they were worried about heading into the game, but were thrilled with the result.
“Four in a row now which is nice, it’s an unfamiliar feeling for the girls,” he said.
“It was the game I was most worried about in the last month. We’re confident we’re going to get up against the big teams, the big games, but against a lower side you can get that false sense of security.
“Last time we beat them by a goal, we’ve built on how we played last time, there’s good growth.”
Cavanagh said that DSV Stadium lived up to its reputation as a windy place to play.
He said while there was a slight scoring end, the wind was going towards one wing.
“Playing through the middle of the ground was a challenge,” he said. “With the lasso rule you don’t want to be pushing the boundary.”
The Seagulls led by five points at quarter time but didn’t make the most of their opportunities with several scoring shots not scoring.
The Bulldogs kicked the only goal of the second quarter to lead by a point at quarter time. Cavanagh said they were happy with the scores being even at half time.
After the break it was all the Seagulls.
“In the third quarter we learned from our mistakes from the first quarter,” Cavanagh said.
“We won the disposals and had 20 tackles which is a KPI. We upped the tackle pressure and kicked three goals in the second half.
“We got one against the flow in the final quarter which was a good reward and we run out the game.”
Sharnie Whiting kicked two goals for the Seagulls to be their only multiple goal kicker.
Cavanagh said she was in really good form and had formed a good partnership with Sarah Cameron up forward.
Maddy Edwards had a good all round game in the middle with 19 touches and 10 tackles, while Jasmine Kawa was strong in ruck.
Danica Pedersen was another with a strong game with several early intercept marks at centre half back and also kicked a goal.
The Seagulls now sit fifth on the ladder with two rounds remaining. The top six play finals.
Cavanagh said it would be a tough run home, but one they were looking forward to.
“The exciting part of for us is we play first and second to finish the season.
“If we get to finals, we’ll show that we have deserved to be there and it will give us confidence we aren’t just making up the numbers.
