A CRUCIAL top six clash between two finals-bound sides will give both teams a fantastic preparation for the post-season series when Williamstown hosts Box Hill on Sunday. The Hawks are already locked into the finals, sitting eight points clear of seventh and while mathematically could drop out, would require Essendon to make up a casual 50 per cent in the process. Williamstown is not yet in – just four points and percentage clear of the Bombers, which is why one win would secure that place.

FORM

Williamstown missed a golden opportunity to secure a finals spot by going down to Darebin in a four-point defeat. It extended the Seagulls’ losing streak to three with their last win being a 16-point victory over Essendon. where the Bombers kicked a ridiculous 0.11 (11). Box Hill suffered a 22-point defeat at the hands of a strong Bombers outfit last round, and will be looking to get back to their form where they won four on the bounce mid-season.

TEAMS

Williamstown

B: A.Thorneycroft (17) L. Blue (47)
HB: E. Tyson (21) E. Freeman (33) J. Wrigley (7)
C: I. Barker (16) E. Eaves (6) E. Straford
HF: Z. Day (13) T. Brett (2) G. De Angelis (12)
F: K. Leare (1) C.Bain (10)
R: N.Crowley (40) C. Sette (26) S. Whiting (25)
INT: T. Motta (39) – I Khoury (3) – K. Russell (45) – M. Smart (27) – R. Mahony (9)

Box Hill Hawks

B: A.Embelton (24) M. Van Berkel (6)
HB: A.Torcasio (30) E.Robins (80) E.Juneja (23)
C: H.Griffiths (13) R.Dillon (7) A.Cariss-Brett (4)
HF: S.Stevenson (5) A.Prosser-Shaw (21) S.Gibbs (29)
F: G.Collingwood (10) J.Matin (18)
R: P.Price (27) O.Fogarty (2) I.Baldwin (12)
INT: M.Bell (39) N.Furjanic (31) M.Lee (33) E.Butler (38) M.Whitney (32) D.Spamer (1)

CHANGES

Box Hill has only made two changes, regaining Rosie Dillon around the ball and Mia Zielinski as a marking target inside 50. The two who make way are Gippsland Power-listed Siena Lane and the managed Emma Stilve. Williamstown on the other hand have made four changes, losing the likes of Megan Williamson and Phoebe Chisholm, while bringing in winger Eliza Straford, midfielder Charli Sette and ex-Jets Megan Smart and Ella Tyson.

ANALYSIS

The match looms as a big one for 50-gamer Emily Eaves as she consistently leads from the front. Jemima Wrigley – who followed her from the Southern Power to Victoria – will provide plenty of run off half-back, with the in-form Ashlee Thorneycroft adding much needed experience back there. The midfield battle will also see the likes of ex-Hawk and Blue Isabelle Khoury and ex-Bomber Ruby Mahony both crucial around the contest.

Box Hill has no shortage of midfield options with Isla Baldwin and Olivia Fogarty both playing great footy in 2025, while the additions of NSW-ACT talents Emma Juneja and Amelie Prosser-Shaw add extra run to the Hawks. Stasia Stevenson is one who continues to step up each week, while Matilda Van Berkel on the last line will be another crucial player.

PREDICTION

The match looms as a ripping one between the sides, with the wind always a tricky element to overcome at DSV Stadium. It gives Williamstown a leg up in that regard, and with the added motivation of Eaves’ 50th, the Seagulls will be up and about. In saying that, the Hawks lineup is so well balanced across the board and has more scoring options, so the tip goes to Box Hill, albeit in a close one.

ROUND 13 FIXTURE:

Saturday, July 19:

Darebin Falcons vs. Carlton @ Genis Steel Oval, 10:35am
Essendon vs. Sandringham Zebras @ Windy Hill, 11:05am
Geelong vs. Collingwood @ Deakin University, 1:05pm|
Port Melbourne vs. Western Bulldogs @ ETU Stadium, 4:05pm

Sunday, July 20:

Casey Demons vs. North Melbourne Werribee @ Casey Fields, 10:05am
Williamstown vs. Box Hill Hawks @ DSV Stadium, 11:05am