Williamstown passed one of two early tests in the Victorian Football League women’s season, kicking off the year with victory against the Western Bulldogs.
After making a preliminary final last season, the Seagulls have drawn last season’s grand finalists in the opening two rounds.
The first of those tests came on Sunday against the Bulldogs.
Scores were level at quarter time before the Bulldogs kicked the only goal in the middle two quarters to lead heading into the final break.
The Seagulls kicked three last quarter goals to come over the top for a 4.4 (28)-2.6 (18) win.
Seagulls coach Liam Cavanagh said it was a good test early on and said the group wanted to see where they were early in the season.
“We took our time and finished strongly,” he said. “It was confidence boosting, what we did as we were beneath our best.
“The Dogs played hard in the middle two quarters and challenged us. We missed opportunities particularly in the first and third quarters.
“We had shots on goal and other times we were in good positions but couldn’t get that kick inside 50.”
Cavanagh said they felt late in the third quarter that they were doing a lot right and it started to come on the scoreboard in the final quarter.
He said they will take a lot of lessons out of the game that they showed a lot of character as a team.
Teagan Brett kicked two goals for the Seagulls and was one of their best.
Cavanagh said that Laura Blue was outstanding at full back while Neve Crowley had her best game for the club at the other end of the ground.
Emily Eaves and Ruby Mahony were both strong in the middle of the ground.
Cavanagh said they were seeing the benefit of 12 months in the program in a number of their players.
“There’s six second year players who have locked in the team,” he said. “Neve, Kiera Leare, Ella Tyson, Mia D’Agostino.
“They are young players who are growing and making the club better. Bluey, [who was injured in her first year at the club] takes the pressure off being down back.”
Cavanagh said the side was eager to face reigning premiers, North Melbourne Werribee, on Anzac Day.
“We’re pretty keen to be honest,” he said. “Hopefully we can figure out where we set.
“It’s a really big day and we’re expecting a really big crowd.”
The Seagulls tough run in the VFL continued, losing to Coburg, 18.11 (119)-11.2 (68).
It’s Coburg’s first win against the Seagulls since 2008.
