It was a very big day to start the 2026 FIDA season, with 2 matches against the formidable Lower Plenty Bears.
It was also an opportune moment to commence our year, by holding our Pride Round. Every Williamstown players wore rainbow (Pride) socks, and there were lots of banners, stickers, flags, wristbands, and even our specially branded Pride Footies.
Emcee’d by Elle Dow, we welcomed Bird and Sara to join the fun for the day, and the Pride stall was very popular. It was also a day for debutants, with Irish’s first appearance as Reserves Coach, and Paul (Reserves) and Sam (Seniors) playing their first games for the Seagulls.
Here’s Irish’ first match report.
Skipper Josh B, the birthday boy, led the team out for the first game of the season. With no bench, we knew this was going need a big team effort.
First quarter was the toughest, Gulls came out ready to chase the ball and give a good contest. Losing Levi early was hard and Lower Plenty had us on the breaks, running into space and taking their scoring opportunities.
First break and Willy knew the change needed, to get on their player, to stand close and apply the pressure. We had to stop Lower Plenty getting into space.
This one change stopped the goals against and seen Willy play some solid footy. Handball chains, voices calling the ball, speed from the middle! Bull would have been proud.
At half time, Leo was acknowledged for his most disposals in a game, Ollie for his tough effort around the ball, Jem for incredible kick outs and the defence amigos of Frank, Josh and Nik who performed exceptional. Phillip had some good handballs through the middle!
Third quarter, legs were getting tired but not the hearts, Daniel gave a strong message to his team to keep playing with heart and Willy did just that, Paul winning most tap outs, Pete ready to collect and go, Layla and Leah both solid in the mid with support wide in Jibril, with fast passing, suddenly the Sherrin was locked in the forward 50… attempt after attempt, nail- biting effort from the forward line of Daryl and Pamela proved a challenge for Lower Plenty, leading to the perfect Goal assist from Pamela to Jibril!!! Willy were on the board. GOAL!
Third time break, there was a strong spirit among the group. We knew the last quarter was going to be exhausting, however our skipper counted down a strong ‘Go Willy’ and we were off. Loud support from the side lines seen our players run and pass and give their last bit off energy… and even though we went down to a few goals, we had the last cheer with an after the siren GOAL by Josh W.
The coaching team could not have been prouder. All we asked was to try your best and we got better than that. Thank you to Paz, Andrew and Sharon for all the support and to all the supporters who roared us home from the sidelines!
We have learned so much from our first match, a lot of great early indicators that we are looking at a very successful year!!! GO WILLY!
At the conclusion of the match, Pride Medals for “Playing in the FIDA Spirit” were presented to Williams Briggs (Bears) and Pamela McCalman (Seagulls) by Mavis and Bird. All players then moved off to enjoy their Pride Day donuts.
Before the Seniors game, the crowd was treated to a World Premiere – the performance by Liam Dwyer, of a song written by him, especially for the event. It was received with great applause. (see the video)
The A Grade game saw the Seagulls off to a flying start with a 4 goals quarter, but the Bears kept their focus and gradually worked their way back into the match. The Willy side was clearly a bit rusty, and with no bench, Jem stumping up for a second game, and Micky on one leg, Lower Plenty finally snatched the lead by a single point with 8 seconds left on the clock. Despite this, there were some fine moments of football by the Blue and Gold, including Damo’s strong marking, Julian’s ruck work, and a 5-minute blitz by Kelvin which was as good as any footy anywhere. Sam gradually settled into the pace of the game and by the end was a solid contributor, Chrissy surprised everyone with his play, and Mason and the two Jakes were ever-reliable. Josh K did some good things, Jack worked hard and Andrew never gave up. Ash was as solid as always, Kai will be much more confident after that run, Burger enjoyed his return, and Q kicked 2 magnificent first quarter goals. Zac played a blinder of a second half, and took out the Pride Medal for “Playing in the FIDA Spirit”, along with Grayson morel from the Bears.
We were fortunate to have Jasmine Garner, Ash Riddell and Jenna Bruton in attendance, and they presented the Medals to the two winners. Donuts were again shared.
Jasmine, Ash and Jenna run Back2Basics Adult All Abilities AFL Clinic. They enjoyed being part of our Williamstown Seagulls FIDA FC Pride Cup - such a great day and so good meeting all the players 💙💛

Don’t forget to join them this Wednesday at 12pm for their Adult All Abilities AFL Clinic at Skinner Reserve, Braybrook. This is an inclusive session focused on the basics of footy, building connections and most importantly, having fun in a supportive environment.

Details:
Who: Adults
When: Wednesday 22nd April
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Where: Skinner Reserve, Braybrook
Cost: $15 (FREE for What Ability participants). For others, this may be covered through your disability service provider if applicable.

To register, please email your interest to info@b2bfooty.com.au