We have a trio of Match Reports after Round 2.
Williamstown Seagulls had author Vin Maskell embedded with us for the day, and his account brackets the Coaches’ Reports.

Vin: “Howling Wind”
“The elements are bound to be against you at Away games. That’s the point of such games after all: to see how good you are in the opposition’s backyard; to see if you can adapt when away from the familiarity and comforts of home.
But when those elements are blowing a gale, pretty much straight down the unfamiliar ground, you’ve got to hope your captain wins the toss and you kick with the wind first up.
The Seagulls’ captains didn’t win their tosses on Sunday 3 May, leaving our Reserves and Seniors a long way behind at quarter time.
The Reserves played Ferntree Gully, where the rain was constant and at times almost horizontal. One older supporter was knocked over by the wind as he tried to save his umbrella from turning inside out. It was that kind of weather.
The Seagulls battled on and narrowed the gap a little in the second half. Of course, not long after the final siren the skies cleared a little, the sun broke through a fraction and the wind may have even taken a brief breather.
Ferntree Gully 7. 3 (45)
Williamstown 4.3 (27)
[PLEASE CHECK THESE SCORES. I MANAGED TO LOSE THE WET PIECE OF PAPER I HAD SCRIBBLED THEM ON.]
* What is left of the score card is included in the photos.*
Irish (Reserves Coach) wrote:
“It was a game for the tough this weekend, the rain pelted down throughout the 4 quarters with winds swirling the ball, nothing was going to come easy…
Ferntree Gully at home started fast, keeping the ball low and with accurate short kicks they hit the scoreboard quickly! The strong back line reset, with Frank, Deano and Philip taking control, Liam & Leo created space on the wings, with support from Daryl and first gamer Dean B. The Gulls finally got the possessions under control! Daniel, Nik, Josh W & Josh DiB took on an exhausting running role, working hard supporting defence and midfield. There was a lot on the shoulders of Jem, Olly and Leah to keep pushing forward and creating a solid contest. With Layla making sure the ball was sent back in each time it came to her, we locked it in our forward fifty for much of the second half, it was only a matter of time before the score started flying up. With Pamela, Matt and Kane in the forward line, Kane got us going with a great first Gulls goal. Nik, Daniel and Jem all followed. Suddenly the scoreboard reflected the big-hearted Willy effort!! Final player acknowledgement to the Captain Jibril who demonstrated leadership on the oval and over the last few training sessions, supporting newer players. Well done Jibril! A huge thanks to Shaz, Andrew W, Tony, Sheryl, Steve, Andrew, and Jack, all who turned up and done their bit … from handing out oranges, bringing stuff to the bus, or sharing their umbrellas ... a big thank you! Let’s get back to training this Wednesday and keep building stronger!”
Vin continues:
“An hour later at Fountain Gate the Seniors played on a terrific surface – the oval is only three years old – but the wind was up to no good again. In the blink of an eye the Gators were five goals up but by half time the game was almost on an even keel, the Seagulls just seven points down. In the distance, though, grey clouds were gathering.
Come the third quarter the home team once again had the wind at their backs, kicking another swag of goals.
Could the Seagulls come back in the final stanza, follow the script? Alas, the grey clouds darkened and then opened. The Seagulls got to within 15 points before a spate of injuries, and the driving rain, dashed hopes of a win. The Gators seized the momentum, kicking five goals into the breeze.
Fountain Gate 14.8 (92)
Williamstown 7.3. (45)
[PLEASE CHECK THESE SCORES. I MANAGED TO LOSE THE WET PIECE OF PAPER I HAD SCRIBBLED THEM ON.]
* What is left of the score card is included in the photos.*
Head Coach’s Report:
“ Fountain Gate Gators at home on Max Pawsey Reserve is always a challenge, being such a big ground, but with a gale force wind blowing diagonally across the grass, and more torrential rain on the horizon, it was going to be a bigger task than ever. The Gators won the toss and kicked with the hurricane, notching up a handful of goals in the first quarter. To the Seagulls’ credit, we scored once into the typhoon, and went close a couple more times. With the zephyr in the second, we scored well enough to draw closer, while keeping the Gators goalless. Kicking two goals ourselves, while the Gate landed 4, at three quarter time, we were within striking distance. However, the monsoon that had been brewing finally arrived, and, combined with a number of injuries and lack of rotations, the deluge drowned our chances in the final term. The usual suspects played their hearts out, with Yaser back for his first game for 2026, Paddy in his first A Grade game, and Bailey in his Club Debut all contributing. The backline showed lots of determination and gave plenty of rebound. The Two Jakes attacked the ball at every chance, Q showed promise in a new role, and Jules and Ash gave us the drive we wanted. Zac was as reliable as always in a tribute to his Pop. The mids competed well against a quality lineup. Andrew and Knighter were solid, while Jack produced the best game of his career. Damo controlled the ground for long periods. The forwards all showed great endeavour, with Kai showing his confidence and skill, while the experienced old hands of Burger, Micky and Chris were always competitive. Dan was elusive, while Mason bagged a couple of very tasty 6-pointers. With a number of players to resume in Round 3, we can start building towards the end of the year.”
As Graham Parker said, ‘Hey Lord, Don’t Ask Me Questions’
And, finally, a Post Script from Vin:
“If we hadn’t mentioned Graham Parker and the Rumour, I might not have written anything at all because it would have been pretty corny to talk about seeking shelter from the storm all day.
On the train home yesterday afternoon a chap, seeing my old Williamstown/Buffalo sports jacket and maybe my soggy Seagulls cap that I was holding, said "How did Williamstown go?"
"Oh, I don't really follow the VFL these days."
"No," he said, "I meant FIDA."
How he knew I would know about FIDA puzzled me.
He was wearing a red and white cap. PFC.
"I play for Parkside."
"Why are you on the Werribee line then?" I asked good-naturedly.
"Live in Point Cook."
By then the train was at Spotswood.
We bid our friendly farewells.