Williamstown produced its highest score of the Victorian Football League women’s season but it wasn’t enough to enter the finals on the back of a win.
After a bye, the Seagulls were keen to account for Collingwood on Saturday and try and maybe lock in a double chance.
Both teams put on a show, but it was the Magpies that came out on top and locked in second spot, winning 11.3 (69)-9.2 (56).
Seagulls’ coach Liam Cavanagh said they would take a lot out of the game.
“We did a lot right and there’s still a lot to fix,” he said. “We were able to respond whenever they scored, but they were able to do the same thing.
“It was a good game to be part of and we put on a show. It was disappointing that we didn’t finish it off.”
Cavanagh said both teams played to their strengths and it was reflected on the scoreboard.
The Magpies scored 42 points from turnovers, while the Seagulls scored 49 points from stoppages.
Cavanagh said at times the Magpies had been able to pick them apart with their pace and ball movement, where they are a bit more chaotic.
The score was the highest for the Seagulls this season and they were able to make the most of their opportunities.
Cavanagh said they had focused on increasing their scoreboard pressure and had increased it by a couple of goals in the last few weeks.
“We had high percentage shots,” he said. “With the exception of Kiera Leare kicking one 30 metres out from the boundary, which she practices all the time, they were pretty straight forward kicks.
“We got the ball in the areas that we expect to kick it.
“We have tinkered with the forward line… It has been good.”
Cavanagh said while they were disappointed with the loss he thought they had pushed arguably the best team in the competition.
“Hopefully we get another chance to challenge them in a couple of weeks time,” he said.
The Seagulls loss cost them a home final, but they will still play the Sandringham Zebras on Saturday.
“We lost by one point last time, hopefully we don’t lose by one point again,” Cavanagh said. “They had a couple of AFLW players play on the weekend.
“They are pretty similar to Collingwood.”
The Seagulls are hoping to have vice-captain Megan Williamson and second ruck-full forward Georgia Howes back for the first final.
Cavanagh said they had grown as a side without them and they would only be better with them in the side.
The Seagulls men’s side also lost to Collingwood, 16.12 (108)-15.7 (97).
The Seagulls remain in 10th.
