A U G U S T 2 0 2 5
PAGE 1: CEO UPDATE
PAGE 2: VFL FINALS WEEK 2
PAGE 3: VFL & VFLW NEWS
PAGE 4: FAREWELL LIAM CAVANAGH
+ MCLAUGHLIN JOINS VFL REWIND RADIO STATION
PAGE 5: JUSTIN PLAPP RE-SIGNS + ELIMINATION FINAL SUPPORTER BUS
PAGE 6: THANK YOU, VFLW SUPPORTERS + GULLS SOCIAL CLUB END OF YEAR EVENT
PAGE 7: VFLW PAIR ANNOUNCE RETIREMENT + SEAGULLS SUPPORT THE LEIGH LEIGH’S
PAGE 8: MERCHANDISE + PARTNER NEWS
PAGE 9: UPCOMING EVENTS
Dear Members,
August has been a month of high stakes for our Club. Both our VFL and VFLW programs have shown enormous determination in pushing their way into finals football, and it has been a privilege to join Williamstown during this period and witness our players represent the Club with such pride
Our VFLW side once again qualified for a finals series – a remarkable achievement given where the program was only a few short years ago. While our Semi Final loss to North Melbourne-Werribee brought the season to an end, the fight and spirit of the group cannot be understated. To Cat O’Bryan and Ash Thorneycroft, who played their final games in blue and gold, I extend the thanks of the entire club for your contribution both on and off the field
Our VFL team also fought their way into finals, securing a Wildcard win over Collingwood to set up a huge Elimination Final clash with Casey. To have both programs competing in finals is a reflection of the talent and unity within our football department, and I hope our members and supporters are just as proud as I am of their efforts I encourage as many of you as possible to get along to Casey Fields this Saturday, or tune in on Channel 7, to cheer on the boys as they strive to keep their season alive.
Beyond the on-field action, August has also been a time to reflect on the contribution of VFLW Senior Coach Liam Cavanagh as he departs the women’s program In just three seasons, Liam has been instrumental in building the program into a consistent finals contender. Even in my short time at the Club, it is clear the impact he has had not only on the team’s performance, but in the strong bonds formed between the group. On behalf of the Club, I thank Liam for his commitment and wish him and his family all the very best for the future
As we turn toward the business end of the year, the Board and I continue to focus on building the right strategy to secure long-term success – both on and off the field. There is a great deal of optimism about what we can achieve together, and the passion of our members, volunteers, sponsors and partners remains central to everything we do
Thank you for the incredibly warm welcome and support I have received during what has already been such a memorable time for me at the Club. I look forward to seeing you at the footy as we chase further finals success together.
Go the mighty Seagulls!
Paul Northey Chief Executive Officer Williamstown Football Club
First Elimination Final: Casey (5th) vs Williamstown (8th)
Casey Fields, 2:10pm AEST
Broadcaster: 7mate and 7plus
Second Elimination Final: Brisbane (6th) vs Richmond (7th)
Brighton Homes Arena, 12:05pm AEST
Broadcaster: AFL.com.au + AFL Live Official App
First Qualifying Final: Footscray (1st) vs Frankston (4th)
Mission Whitten Oval, 12:35pm AEST
Broadcaster: AFL.com.au + AFL Live Official App
Second Qualifying Final: Box Hill (2nd) vs Southport (3rd)
Box Hill City Oval, 12:35pm AEST
Broadcaster: AFL.com.au + AFL Live Official App
All qualifying and elimination finals will be played on Saturday, August 30.
Richmond and Williamstown advanced to the elimination finals after winning last week’s wildcard finals over the GWS GIANTS and Collingwood respectively
After finishing the home and away season in eighth place, Richmond has assumed the seventh-placed ranking following Collingwood’s defeat at the hands of Williamstown in their wildcard final The Seagulls progress as the eight-placed team
August opened with a high-stakes Elimination Final against Sandringham, as Williamstown qualified for its third consecutive VFLW finals series – an impressive feat given the club had never reached finals prior to 2023.
With the season on the line, the Seagulls welcomed back key inclusions in Georgia Howes and Megan Williamson, adding strength to the forward line and midfield In a fierce contest, Williamstown proved too strong for the Zebras to advance to a Semi Final Midfield bull Emily Eaves led from the front with 23 disposals, 9 clearances and 8 tackles, while Ash Thorneycroft was relentless defensively with a remarkable 21 tackles. Williamson impressed on return, gathering 13 disposals, 7 tackles and 5 clearances.
The Semi Final saw the Seagulls face reigning premiers North Melbourne-Werribee at Arden Street Oval With an unchanged line-up, Williamstown embraced the challenge, but despite a strong fight fell 41–17, ending their 2025 campaign. The result means the Seagulls are still chasing a first back-to-back finals win at VFLW level.
The clash also marked the final VFLW games for much-loved Seagulls Cat O’Bryan and Thorneycroft, who both gave their all O’Bryan finished with 14 disposals, 10 hit outs and 6 clearances, while Thorneycroft added 13 disposals, 7 tackles and 3 inside 50s.
Williamstown’s 2025 VFLW campaign ended on 9 wins, 7 losses, and just 3 wins off a premiership With exit interviews now underway, the VFLW program shifts focus to building for a further finals run in 2026
August began with a tough 97–108 defeat to Collingwood at DSV Stadium in what was a high-scoring thriller. But after a Round 20 bye, Williamstown returned refreshed and ready to fight for their season in the final home-and-away round.
Facing Richmond at DSV Stadium, the Seagulls knew a win would secure a Wildcard Final berth, while a loss would end their campaign and hand Coburg a top-10 finish instead. Jovan Petric made a timely return from a knee injury, playing his first game since Round 11.
With everything on the line, Williamstown’s pressure and dominance inside 50 proved decisive Despite Richmond matching them for goals, the Seagulls’ 19 extra inside 50s and 15 more minor scores told the story as they claimed a crucial win their first since Round 15 to punch their ticket to finals.
The Wildcard Final brought a rematch with Collingwood at Victoria Park, where history was on Williamstown’s side The Seagulls had won six of their last eight against the Magpies, including an unbeaten run at the venue stretching back to 1895. Co-captain Cameron Polson returned to the line-up of his 10th game of an injury-disrupted year.
Justin Plapp’s side embraced the challenge and delivered once again, defeating Collingwood by 12 points to keep their September dream alive The victory has set up a huge Elimination Final clash against the 5th-placed Casey Demons at Casey Fields this Saturday.
If you’re not making the trip to Casey Fields, be sure to tune in on 7mate or 7plus to catch all the action
The Club has farewelled VFLW Senior Coach Liam Cavanagh, who will not continue in the role for the 2026 season.
Cavanagh, only the third VFLW coach in the Club’s history, joined Williamstown at the end of 2022 and led the program across three seasons
During his tenure, he guided the Seagulls to finals in every season, including their first-ever finals appearance in 2023, his debut year
Across his three seasons, Cavanagh achieved a coaching record of 30 wins, 17 losses and two draws, and is credited with fast-tracking the development of the Club’s emerging program.
The Williamstown Football Club is extremely grateful for
all his hard work and significant contribution and wishes Liam, his wife Louisa and daughter Heidi all the best for the future.
Brodie McLaughlin has been crowned the 2025 Jim ‘Frosty’ Miller Medalist, finishing the home-and-away season as the VFL’s leading goalkicker with 67 to his name.
It is the second time McLaughlin has won the award, after he shared it in 2023 with thenGold Coast Suns teammate Chris Burgess, both kicking 51 goals in their premiership year.
Two years on, the Seagulls forward has surpassed that tally by 16 goals to etch his name into Williamstown history.
“I was keen to get to a standalone club and play with the same bloke’s week in and week out That’s what attracted me to Willy, as well as the history of the club, being a powerhouse for so long,” McLaughlin said to VFL Rewind.
Find to the full episode here: VFL Rewind Podcast
Ahead of his third consecutive finals campaign with the Seagulls, the former Melbourne Demons assistant coach recommitted to leading Williamstown’s VFL program in 2026
Already contracted until the end of 2025, Plapp’s extension ensures his leadership for at least an additional season.
Plapp’s re-signing followed a 10–8 home and away season, including an eightgame winning streak between Rounds 6 and 15.
Now in his fifth year at DSV Stadium, Plapp has consistently demonstrated an ability to elevate his players so they can enjoy career-best campaigns in the blue and gold
Read on further here
You asked, we listened the supporter bus is back this Saturday!
The Blue and Gold army is hitting the road for Saturday’s Elimination Final at Casey Fields, and we’ve got the same bundle as last weekend’s Wildcard Final Supporter bus bus trip, game entry + a complimentary drink for just $25!
Leave the long drive behind and jump on the supporter bus from DSV Stadium to Casey Fields and back Park at DSV or catch the train to Williamstown Station for a 12pm departure simple as that!
Seats are limited, so don’t miss out! Reserve yours now here or call the office on (03) 9391 0309 and our admin team will be able to assist you
Details:
Pick-up: 12:00pm from DSV Stadium, Williamstown (Morris St car park open from 11:30am)
Return: 5:15pm departure from Casey Fields
Price: $25 per person (includes transport, a drink for the road, and gate entry)
Special Offer: Gulls Social Club members can secure their ticket for just $15!
Unfortunately, a Semi Final loss saw the Kangaroos take Williamstown’s place in the Preliminary Final, bringing the Seagulls’ 2025 season to a close.
Our VFLW program fell just short of where we aimed to finish this year, but the foundations are strong and the group now has a head start as they set their sights on 2026.
Thank you to all our 2025 VFLW members and supporters for helping build the biggest army our club has ever seen around this program The players, coaches and staff are truly grateful for your dedication and unwavering support throughout the season.
What a day it was for the Gulls Social Club at our final home game of the season! This year, the celebration looked a little different, with the function held at the ground rather than as a separate event – and it was a huge success. A fantastic crowd spilled out of the marquees, enjoying the chance to get together while watching the game live – the ultimate win-win!
Members soaked up the atmosphere in front of the grandstand with complimentary food and drinks, while one lucky winner walked away with a free 2026 membership thanks to the raffle. Club President Merryl Dooley also joined the celebrations, taking the opportunity to thank our loyal Gulls Social Club members for their outstanding contribution and support throughout 2025.
A big thank you to Snappy Snacks Catering for providing a fantastic spread, and to our Membership and Merchandise Manager, Lee Herrick, for organising
We’re already looking forward to doing it all again next year! Want to be part of the action in 2026? Keep an eye out – memberships will be available soon
Ahead of WFC’s VFLW Elimination Final, ruck Cat
O’Bryan and midfielder Ash Thorneycroft, announced that this finals campaign will be their last at VFLW lev
O’Bryan, 43, and Thorneycroft, 36, were both selected the Seagulls Semi-Final against the Roos With the knockout nature of the clash, the loss meant their playing careers came to an end.
O’Bryan played 19 games over her two seasons at DSV Stadium and holds the record for the oldest player to ever play for WFC in the VFL and VFLW.
WFC also signed Thorneycroft ahead of last season to play and be the club’s midfield development coach
She was runner-up in last year’s Best & Fairest and initially announced her VFLW retirement last November. But the lure of one more campaign proved too strong.
Read all about their football careers here
The Club hosted its Round 21 President’s Luncheon on Sunday 17 August, dedicating the afternoon to celebrating the women who play such an important role in the Seagulls community.
Held ahead of the final home-and-away match of the 2025 VFL season against Richmond, guests enjoyed the opportunity to watch Williamstown’s VFLW Semi Final and hear from a range of inspiring guest speakers
The Club was also fortunate to have Marlaina McPhillips emcee the event. Marlaina works in community development for Club partner Beyond Bank and is a passionate advocate for supporting Australians affected by breast cancer.
She was the perfect host as the luncheon proudly supported The Leigh Leigh’s a family and friends charity group raising funds for breast cancer research.
Founded in 2021 by Lauren Philpot, sister of long-time Williamstown VFL player Max Philpot, The Leigh Leigh’s was formed during their mother Leigh’s battle with breast cancer
Donations were collected during the luncheon and remain open via this link https://www.mothersdayclassic.com.au/donate, providing The Leigh Leigh’s with a head start towards their 2026 Mother’s Day Classic fundraising goal.
The Williamstown Football Club extends its thanks to all who attended, supported The Leigh Leigh’s, and joined in celebrating the women who continue to make an immeasurable impact across our community.
WFC Dad’s Day Supporter Bundle!
Get Dad what he really wants this year with a choice of one of our supporter packs. Choose from our tartan or striped scarf packs bundled with our famous beanie and stubby holder What more could Dad ask for?
Shop now:
https://williamstownfc.com.au/product/dadsday-supporter-bundle/
End of Season Clearance Sale!
The merch booth at DSV Stadium is closed for the year, but our online shop is always open!
Score 20% off or more on all full-priced merch and load up on blue and gold at the best prices of the year. After all, no one wants to be caught at finals without their Seagulls colours! Exclusions apply: members’ additional discounts not valid.
https://williamstownfc.com.au/shop/
Support the Williamstown Football Club with Get Fit, Give Back!
This August, every time someone joins our gym partners BayFit Leisure Centre through the Get Fit, Give Back campaign, BlueFit will donate $100 to a local cause
Nominate Williamstown Football Club when you sign up and that $100 comes straight to us!
It’s a win-win: you get 6 months of fitness for $299, and we get valuable support for our work Learn more at getfitgiveback com au and train like a Seagull!
