Tasmania’s bright start was not enough to overcome a dominant performance from Mia Zielinski as Williamstown defeated the Devils by 14 points in a Round 10 VFLW clash at DSV Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Played in cool, sunny conditions, Tasmania controlled the early stages and built an encouraging lead, but Williamstown responded strongly through the middle quarters before securing a 5.4 (34) to 3.2 (20) victory.

The Devils made an excellent start to the contest and were rewarded on the scoreboard through goals to Ava Read and Grace White.

Their defensive pressure prevented Williamstown from generating meaningful scoring opportunities, restricting the home side to a single behind for the opening term.

At quarter-time, Tasmania held an 11-point advantage, leading 2.0 (12) to 0.1 (1).

The momentum shifted dramatically during the second quarter as Williamstown found a dominant target inside forward 50.

Mia Zielinski kicked three goals for the term, helping the Seagulls overturn the deficit and establish control of the contest.

Tasmania fought hard around the ball but was unable to add to its score as Williamstown moved into a 3.1 (19) to 2.0 (12) lead at half-time.

Williamstown continued to press after the main break, with Zielinski adding her fourth goal of the afternoon.

The Seagulls also added a pair of behinds to stretch their advantage, while Tasmania struggled to generate opportunities going forward.

At the final change, Williamstown led 4.3 (27) to 2.0 (12).

The Devils continued to compete strongly in the final quarter and found a response through Grace White, who kicked her second goal of the game.

However, Zielinski’s fifth goal proved decisive as Williamstown maintained control and closed out the match by 14 points.

Despite the loss, Tasmania produced several positive statistical performances.

The Devils led the marking count 45 to 36 and remained competitive in general play, finishing with 215 disposals.

However, Williamstown’s dominance in the ruck and around stoppages proved influential, with the Seagulls leading hit-outs 54 to 20 and clearances 31 to 23.

Angelica Clark once again worked tirelessly through the midfield, collecting 17 disposals and nine clearances.

Ellie Hall was outstanding around the contest with 21 disposals and 10 tackles, while Perri King continued her strong season with 14 disposals and 12 tackles.

Sarah Skinner also provided consistent ball-winning ability with 18 disposals.

Grace White finished with two goals for the Devils, while Ava Read added the other major.

Defensively, Courtney Hingston, Meg Radford and Libby Haines all made valuable contributions as Tasmania worked hard to stay in the contest.

For Williamstown, Zielinski was the difference with five goals from her 14 disposals.

Naomi Ferres was influential around stoppages with 25 disposals and seven clearances, while Bella Smith, Ellen Williams and Toby Triffett provided strong support around the ground.

The result highlighted Tasmania’s ability to start strongly and compete for long periods, but Williamstown’s control around stoppages and Zielinski’s impact inside forward 50 ultimately proved decisive.

With no injuries reported by either side, the Devils will look to regroup as they continue their inaugural VFLW campaign.

Tasmania next has the bye before turning its attention to a clash against Essendon at Windy Hill in Melbourne on Saturday, 1^st August.

2026 VFLW Season – Round 10

Williamstown 0.1 3.1 4.3 5.4 (34)
Tasmania 2.0 2.0 2.0 3.2 (20)

GOALS

Williamstown: Zielinski 5
Tasmania: White 2, Read

BEST

Williamstown: Zielinski, Ferres, B. Smith, Williams
Tasmania: Clark, Hall, King, White