On Sun, Apr 14, 2024, the Williamstown Seagulls hosted Lower Plenty Bears at The Fearon.
Match reports:
“C” Grade – Williamstown 5.6 (36) defeated Lower Plenty 5.2 (32)
Elle reported:

“Well folks, if you’re just tuning in, you’ve missed an absolute ripper of a game here at The Fearon! I’m your reporter and I tell you, the action today has been hotter than a snag on a barbie in the Aussie outback!” “Let’s break it down, shall we? Captain Matt leading the charge with a selfless assist on goal. Talk about teamwork, folks! He’s dishing out assists like a waiter at a fancy restaurant.” “Hayden’s been a real star too, folks. Selfless plays, big kicks, and those goal assists in the fourth quarter? Talk about clutch! He’s like the MVP of a basketball team, only with an oval-shaped ball!” (Hayden also became the first Willy player to have an UberEats delivery while getting his rubdown!) “And Chris, oh Chris! Taking over in the ruck like a bull in a china shop, shepherding his teammates like a shepherd herding sheep. Crikey, that’s some top-notch footy!” “Dean’s been throwing his weight around too, folks. Strong defense, snapping at goal like a croc snapping up lunch. He’s got more snaps than a paparazzi at a Hollywood premiere!” “Wizz, what can I say about Wizz? Diverse player across the field, popping up wherever the team needs him most. He’s like a jack-in-the-box, but instead of a clown, it’s a footy star!” “Leah, fearless warrior on the field, taking on her opponent like a gladiator in the Colosseum. And boy, did it pay off with that critical goal! She’s got more bravery than a daredevil on a motorcycle!” “Oliver, backliner through and through, bringing that defensive spirit to the midfield like a knight defending the castle. He’s the goalie and the striker rolled into one!” “Laurie, oh Laurie. An unfortunate unrewarded mark, but he’s putting himself in good space like a real estate agent with a knack for finding prime property. Keep at it, Laurie!” “Now, Daryl, folks. He’s providing some good distraction out there, talking up the best menu items at Jolibees to throw off his opponent. Talk about using every trick in the book!” “Josh W, up and down the wing like a yo-yo on steroids, putting himself in key positions like a chess grandmaster. Checkmate, Bears!” “And Josh D, his confidence is bursting at the seams, backing himself in every decision like a poker player with a royal flush. He’s on fire, folks!” “Jeremy, Mr. Versatile himself! Taking a break from the midfield to tackle the backline, then switching it up to bring some versatility in the forward. He’s like a Swiss Army knife out there!” “Phillip, bringing his improved skills to where they’re needed most. He’s like a mechanic fine-tuning the engine of this Seagulls machine!” “Burger, oh Burger. His experience shining through, supporting the newer players and getting into key positions like a seasoned veteran. He’s the Big Mac of this team, folks!” “And last but not least, Frank! What a mark, and another one, and another one! He’s catching those balls like they’re flying saucers, folks!” “And let’s not forget Runner Reid, folks. Dishing out some good messaging to the players on the field. Who knows, maybe we’ll see him pull on the guernsey this season! Wouldn’t that be a sight to behold!” “Well folks, that’s a wrap from The Fearon. What a game, what a spectacle! Until next time, keep your eyes on the ball and your pies warm. This is at its finest!” “A” Grade – Williamstown 13.11 (89) defeated Lower Plenty 6.3 (39)
The first “A” Grade game of the 2024 year got underway at The Fearon, in great football weather, with Umpires Kieran and David Anglim in charge.
The Bears were slightly undermanned due to some last minute withdrawals, but gave every indication that they would not be taken lightly.
The Seagulls had 2 club debutants (Jamie and Jarrod) and 2 FIDA debutants (Jibril and Lachie), along with the returning Dolly, strengthening the lineup. With 2 or 3 more players yet to make their first appearances, the season is looking good.
Willy began well in the first ever 20-minute quarter and had scores on the board quickly, before Lower hit back with accuracy. W 4.3 (29), LP 2.0 (12).
The Seagulls wasted many scoring opportunities in the second stanza, kicking 5 behinds. The Bears maintained their accuracy, and at the half, the game was up for grabs. W 6.8 (44), LP 3.0 (18).
The Premiership quarter saw the Blue and Golds have a huge impact on the scoreboard with a burst of 5 goals to 2. Lower Plenty lost a player to injury, and numbers were reduced to 16-a-side. W 11.9 (75), LP 5.6 (56).
The Gulls’ bench allowed for good rotations for their players in the final act, while the Bears rallied to contest the game right through to the final siren. W 13.11 (89), LP 6.30 (39).
It was a game which had good skills and sporting attitude on display all day. Williamstown had lots to be happy about, and lots more that still needs to be worked on. On the other hand, Lower Plenty can be very proud of their efforts all day, and show that they will be in the top handful of teams at the end of the season.
FIDA games don’t happen without lots of work taking place in the background. In addition to the Umpires and St John’s Ambulance, we must also thank Fab (goals and pack-up), Julie and Nicole (scoreboard), MCFAN (digital), Rob and Shazza (set-up, Ground and Team Management), Reid and Jimmy (runners), Kate and Julie, with Shazza (Canteen), Sheryl (oranges and lollies), Van (photos), and all our supporters.
We must also make a very special mention of our Merch staff, who worked efficiently to make sure that every player received their Altona Sports Club shorts, their Franklin Electric Sports bags, and their Seagulls Laundry bag tags, along with boot bags and socks, and helmets, drink bottles, and polo shirts as required. Thank you, Andrew Mc and Layla. It was a big job, and everyone made it onto the ground in plenty of time. Samples of the new merch can be seen in the pictures.
Along with their sponsorship of our shorts, new Club 500 members Altona Sports Club have also sponsored the Coaches’ Bench barriers as well as the kicking mannequins.
Next Sunday April 21, we host Ajax in a “C” Grade only game, starting at 11.00, as the Jackers wait for their oval to be available after the Grand Prix. We will have our Merch stall open for the first time this year for players and supporters to purchase their Seagulls gear.
The “A” Grade travel to Carrum Downs to play the newly rebadged Skye team on Sunday April 28 at 12.30. We will be running a bus.
There will be another post of Van’s photos later in the week.