DESPITE four wins and 10 losses this season, Williamstown had plenty of players that stood up at various times during the season. With only one win going into Round 14, the Seagulls stormed home for three consecutive victories to end their season on a high.

Position: 11th
Win-loss: 4-10
Percentage: 70%

Results:

Round 1: Lost against Collingwood by 18 points
Round 2: Lost against Southern Saints by 30 points
Round 3: Lost against Geelong by 53 points
Round 4: Defeated Richmond by 31 points
Round 5: Lost against Casey Demons by 12 points
Round 6: Lost against Western Bulldogs by 56 points
Round 7: Bye
Round 8: Lost against Darebin by 14 points
Round 9: Lost against Hawthorn by four points
Round 10: Lost against Carlton by 29 points
Round 11: Lost against Western Bulldogs by 40 points
Round 12: Bye
Round 13: Lost against NT Thunder by 45 points
Round 14: Defeated Richmond by one point
Round 15: Defeated Essendon by 28 points
Round 16: Defeated Melbourne University by 38 points

Key players:

#2 Jess Duffin

Duffin had the perfect season for Williamstown, taking out the VFLW Best and Fairest as well as her own club Best and Fairest. She was also named in both the AFL Draft Central Team of the Year and the VFLW Team of the Year for her stellar year in the midfield. Her long kick and ability to win the ball in congestion made her an absolute standout for the Seagulls. She also got among the goals, kicking 13 goals from 13 games. Duffin was also named in the best players in all but one of her games, and was named the best-on-ground in three of her games. One of her best games was against Darebin, where she racked up 31 disposals, three marks and five tackles.

#4 Emily Paterno

Paterno was another solid player for Williamstown, kicking nine goals from 13 games. She was a solid ball-carrier and knew how to win it when she needed to. Paterno finished in the top 10 of Williamstown’s Best and Fairest after a consistent year with the Seagulls. She played a solid game against Casey with two goals, 15 touches, three marks and eight tackles.

#25 Jasmine Garner

Despite playing just nine games for the season, Garner shone in each one, being named in the best four times out of her appearances for the Seagulls. Much like when she was playing for Collingwood, Garner was utilised at both ends of the ground and it made a difference, as she finished fifth in Williamstown’s Best and Fairest. Garner was also named on the half-forward line in the VFLW Team of the Year. She played one of her best games against the Bombers where she was named best-on-ground for the Seagulls with 24 disposals, seven marks, five tackles and two goals.

#34 Jacinta Reid  

Reid played 13 games for the Seagulls this season, and was named in the best five times, highlighting her ability to step up and perform. Playing predominantly in the back pocket, Reid was often the player who would mop up the ball and get her team out of trouble. Her run and carry was a great asset of her game, as were her quick hands. She came second in the Seagulls’ Best and Fairest with 74 votes (13 votes behind Jess Duffin). Reid played an impressive game against the Bulldogs with 11 disposals and three marks.

#35 Jenna Bruton

Bruton managed 11 games this season for Williamstown and was impressive in every one of them. She was able to rack up high numbers of disposals due to her ability to find the football and use it well both by hand or by foot. Bruton finished third in Williamstown’s Best and Fairest with 71 votes. She was named best-on-ground for the Seagulls against Carlton, with one goal, 29 disposals, five marks and seven tackles.

Season summary:

It was a difficult season for the Seagulls, only recording one win from 13 rounds. They stormed home in the last three weeks with three wins on the trot, giving them confidence going into next season. There was also plenty of individual recognition, with Jess Duffin taking out top honours in the VFLW and Williamstown Best and Fairest counts, while her and Garner were named in the VFLW Team of the Year. Up and coming players such as Jacinta Reid, Jorja Rowe and Sarah Chapman all showed promising signs in games this season, so with a strong pre-season, the Seagulls could experience improvement next year.