SEAGULLS NEWS
O C T O B E R 2 0 2 5
PAGE 1: CEO UPDATE
PAGE 2: PAUL GROVES APPOINTED AS NEW VFLW SENIOR COACH
PAGE 3: VFL NEWS & VFLW NEWS
PAGE 4: THANK YOU PAUL VINES & LAUREN WOOD
PAGE 5: BRAYDON PREUSS JOINS THE SEAGULLS
PAGE 6: DAVID CUNINGHAM SIGNS ON
PAGE 7: END OF YEAR VOLUNTEER GATHERING + UPCOMING EVENTS
PAGE 8: MERCHANDISE & PARTNER UPDATE
PAGE 9: SEAGULLS ANNUAL GOLF DAY
CEO UPDATE
Dear Members,
It’s incredible, as I write this, to think pre-season is just weeks away With Spring Carnival, VCE exams, daylight savings and the cricket season all in full swing, footy might seem a bit distant – but the Club has been incredibly active during the off-season, working hard behind-the-scenes Our players will soon hit the track together as preparations ramp up for 2026.
This off-season, our focus has been twofold: continuing to improve on-field to give ourselves every chance of success, and ensuring Williamstown remains a vibrant, happy, and welcoming environment for our members and supporters each week
You will have seen flurry of exciting announcements recently We were thrilled to appoint Paul Groves as Senior Coach of our VFLW team. Paul brings deep experience and success at the elite level, including coaching the Western Bulldogs to the 2018 AFLW Premiership. We warmly welcome Paul and his family to the Seagulls community
In more great news for our VFLW program, Emily Eaves – our Best and Fairest winner and VFLW Team of the Year representative – has re-signed We look forward to sharing more signing news over the coming weeks
On the VFL Men’s front, we’ve seen strong momentum with several key re-signings and new additions The return of leaders Finn O’Dwyer and Cam Polson, alongside quality recruits Braydon Preuss and David Cuningham, highlights the strength and intent of our list heading into the new season With individual training programs already underway, both teams will officially commence pre-season in the coming weeks leading up to Christmas
Memberships for 2026 go on sale at the start of November. Williamstown Football Club remains a prized community asset – offering elite-level football in the heart of our local area, the highest standard outside of the AFL, and a unique match-day experience at DSV Stadium for everyone – from long-time supporters to families and kids
We encourage all supporters to sign up early and take advantage of our pre-Christmas offers members are at the heart of the Club, and your support is vital to our continued growth and success. At a time when we’ve sadly seen other clubs doing it tough, we’re committed to giving our members a fantastic experience and building a strong foundation for 2026 and beyond.
Last week, we held a Volunteer Thank You event at Grazeland in Spotswood, to celebrate our incredible volunteers They are the lifeblood of our Club, bringing passion and energy to everything they do If you’re interested in getting involved in 2026 – in any capacity – we’d love to have you join the team. Please reach out via admin@williamstown.com.au or contact myself, Lee Herrick, or any of our staff or board members.
Thank you once again for your ongoing support As both teams hit the track for pre-season, we look forward to keeping you updated on our preparations for what’s shaping up to be a fantastic 2026
Go the Mighty Seagulls,
Paul Northey Chief Executive Officer Williamstown Football Club
PAUL GROVES APPOINTED AS NEW VFLW SENIOR COACH
Williamstown Football Club has recently welcomed Paul Groves as our new VFLW Senior Coach on a two-year deal With over a decade of elite coaching experience across women’s and men’s football, Paul brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record to the Seagulls.
Paul most recently served as Assistant Coach at Essendon AFLW, following a highly successful stint as Senior Coach of the Western Bulldogs AFLW team, where he led the Bulldogs to the 2018 AFLW Premiership.
His journey in women’s football began with the AFL Victoria Youth Girls Development Program in 2011, and he has since coached Vic Metro to a national championship, as well as senior sides in the VAFA and Victorian state teams
Beyond coaching, Paul continues to contribute to football development, taking on the role as Head of Sport at St Bernard’s College in 2024, sharing his expertise with the next generation of players.
CEO Paul Northey said, “Paul’s experience, success at the highest level, and commitment to player development make him the perfect leader for our VFLW program.”
“His appointment reflects the Club’s ambition to build strong, unified, and successful programs across both the VFL and VFLW.”
We are looking forward to seeing Paul at pre-season training and welcoming both returing players and new re-signings as the next chapter for our VFLW squad begins.
For more information about Paul’s coaching career, click here.
VFL & VFLW NEWS
The Seagulls are building momentum ahead of the 2026 season, with a number of key VFL players already recommiting to the Club. Aiden Bonar, Zac Pritchard, Toby Triffett, Joel Fritzgerald, Max Stobie, Darcy Weeks, Max Philpot, Harry Minton-Connell, Nathan Colenso, Heath Ollington, and Kye Turner have all re-signed, providing a strong foundation as the Club looks ahead to another competitive finals campaign.
On the VFLW front, while only Emily Eaves has formally put pen to paper, the recent appointment of Paul Groves as Senior Coach signals a promising start to the next chapter of our women’s program. Re-signings are expected in coming weeks as the squad comes together under his leadership.
Across local football, several of our VFL and VFLW-listed players had standout finals matches Lucas Impey, helped Darley secure the Ballarat Seniors premiership, averaging 15 disposals, 68 hitouts, and 7 tackles across three finals Jovan Petric played an important role in Keilor’s finals series, contributing four goals, averaging 10 disposals, and 4.5 marks as the ladder leaders just fell short in the grand final
Hamish Morrison impresed across Airport West’s finals campaign, averaging 28 disposals, 10 rebound 50s, and 107 ranking points, highlighted by a 40-touch preliminary final. Zara Guess returned to St Kevin’s OB for finals, standing out in both the semi-final and preliminary final, adding a goal in the prelim.
Brittney Gray played nine finals matches for Oak Park, earning best-on-ground recognition in qualifying final before narraowly losing the grand final by five points. Lori Stepnell featured in one VFLW game for Williamstown in 2025, and contributed throughout Redan’s finals campaign, finishing runner-up in the BFLW grand final.
Williamstown Football Club applauds all players who competed in local football finals.
THANK YOU PAUL VINES
The Club wishes to thank VFL Assistant Coach Paul Vines, who will depart Williamstown ahead of the 2026 season.
After overseeing the forward line during the 2025 season, Paul has made the decision to return home to Western Australia to be closer to family while continuing to further his coaching journey.
In his time at the Club, Paul made a significant impact – helping guide the Seagulls to finals and earning great respect from players and staff alike.
General Manager of Football operations, Ash Collins, thanked Paul for his contribution, saying: “On behalf of everyone at Williamstown, we want to thank Paul and his family for their time, passion, and dedication to the Club.”
To read more, click the link here
FAREWELL LAUREN WOOD
After almost five years of outstanding contribution, Head of Digital and Content Lauren Wood has farewelled Williamstown Football Club to spend time travelling overseas.
A proud local, Lauren began her journey with the Club in 2021, working at Seaview Williamstown Events Centre, before gaining experience as Social Media Coordinator while completing her Communications degree at RMIT University
In 2025, she stepped into her first full-time role as Head of Digital and Content, shaping the Club’s digital presence and mentoring 11 interns.
The Seagulls thank Lauren for her tireless efforts and wish her every success in her next chapter. Lauren’s full journey with the WFC can be read here.
GWS RUCKMAN BRAYDON PREUSS JOINS THE GULLS
Williamstown Football Club is excited to welcome ruckman Braydon Preuss to DSV Stadium ahead of the 2026 season. Preuss is the Club’s first new recruit for the 2026 season, joining his first standalone VFL club after playing for North Melbourne, Melbourne, and GWS at AFL level.
Standing at 207cm, Braydon brings valuable AFL experience and a hunger to return to high-level football. After rediscovering his form this year with the Yarrgon Panthers in the Ellinbank & District Football League, he’s ready to step into the role vacated by retiring ruckman Tom Downie and mentor the younger group. GM of Football Operations Ash Collins said, “Braydon is a very capable ruckman, and we’re delighted to have him ”
Read more about Preuss here
FORMER BLUE DAVID CUNINGHAM SIGNS ON
Following the exciting news of Braydon Preuss, Williamstown is also thrilled to announce the signing of former Carlton midfielder-forward David Cuningham for next season.
Cuningham arrives after a nine-year AFL career with Carlton and a 2025 stint with Footscray’s VFL side.
The 28-year-old brings AFL experience, versatility, and leadership, having played 58 senior games and kicked 30 goals for the Blues He also earned a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination in 2017 and enjoyed a career-best season in 2023
Ash Collins welcomed Cuningham, noting, “David’s skills and competitive edge across midfield and forward lines will be invaluable as we aim for a strong 2026 season.” Together with Preuss, Cuningham’s addition sets the Gulls up for an exciting year ahead.
Read more about the former Blue here.
END OF YEAR VOLUNTEER GATHERING
To celebrate the end of the 2025 season and recognise the incredible contributions of our dedicated volunteers, the Club recently hosted a special thank you lunch at Grazeland Melbourne on Saturday, 18 October.
Guests included long-time volunteers Judi Jeremiah, Jan Dandridge, Carol Utber, Mocca, Dave Downing, Julia Tweedie, Steve Peace, Andrew Lang, Lynette Roberts, Craig Blair, along with CEO Paul Northey, Memberships and Merchandise Manager Lee Herrick, Volunteer Coodinator Mandy Drew, and Heritage Officer Gerald Drew.
It was a fantastic afternoon filled with great food, laughter, some Jenga, and stories from another memorable season.
The Club extends a heartfelt thank you to all our volunteers for their time, energy, and passion – your efforts are at the heart of the Seagulls community.
UPCOMING EVENTS
The Club is proud to once again support the Williamstown Primary School Seaside Fair as a Bronze Sponsor in 2025 The much-loved community event will be held on Sunday, 23 November, from 10am to 4pm. rd
Our support aims to encourage children to stay active and healthy, all while having fun and developing a love of sport. The Seaside Fair promises a fantastic day of family activities, entertainment, and community spirit, and we look forward to seeing many familiar faces on the day!
2025 MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
A huge thank you to all of our 1084 loyal members for signing on and standing by the Seagulls in 2025. Your support means everything to the club. Together, we’ve built something special and next year is shaping up to be even bigger!
Join the Blue and Gold journey in 2026! Memberships will be on sale from November 1. Visit https://am.intix.com/williamstownfc/home to renew.
Sign up before Dec 31 2025 to receive your free member merchandise item. st
For all of our members on the auto renew payment option, your membership will be rolled over during the first week of November Please reach out to Lee at lherrick@williamstownfc.com.au if you would like to amend your membership from 2025, update your card details or have any questions. Not an auto renew member? Please email Lee to express your interest.
Get your friends and family on board - sign them up and share the blue and gold pride! Everyone is welcome!
MERCHANDISE
It's coming! Williamstown’s biggest sale of the year! Stay tuned for exclusive deals for our loyal supporters.
PARTNER NEWS
We’re proud to be featured in Mobil’s October Melbourne Terminal Community Bulletin Mobil has been a steadfast partner of the Seagulls in 2025, supporting both our VFL and VFLW teams and helping us grow both on and off the field.
Beyond football, Mobil continues to make a real difference in Melbourne’s west – from aiding local schools through the 2025 Bright Future Grants program to engaging with the wider community. Their support during the Mobil Round and the President’s Luncheon highlighted their ongoing commitment to our Club and the community we share.
A big thank you to Mobil for their generosity, dedication, and continued partnership
For more details, read the full Community Bulletin here.
