The inaugural women’s derby between the Fremantle Dockers and West Coast is on Saturday at Domain Stadium, and excitement is running high for players, coaches and members of Freo Dockers senior playing group.
The Freo Dockers women’s team had their guernsey presentation on Thursday night at Fremantle Oval, and senior coach Pat Litherland said the historic event would only add to the storied rivalry.
“The players are really looking forward to it, and as a coach, I am as well,” Litherland said.
“It’s very important because it’s the first and there’s always a great buzz around the derby.”
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Litherland said the enormity of the game wasn’t lost on the girls, especially after receiving some words of advice from Freo Dockers leadership group member Lee Spurr.
“Spurr had some words of wisdom for the girls and spoke about quite a few things,” he said.
“(He spoke about) trust, and his journey to get himself to Freo and about different times during a game and how you pick yourself up.”
In addition to his own personal story as a football player, Spurr spoke about the importance of the rivalry with West Coast, and the pioneering abilities of being part of Freo’s first women’s team.
“I spoke to them about where the club had been, and what it means to play in a derby,” Spurr said.
“It’s about the respect and honouring the effort of where the club has come from through your effort on the day.
“Hopefully, they can cherish their time together, build something, and be able to look back and say ‘we were a part of that’.”
Spurr also said the idea of two wins in one day against the Eagles was something the Freo fans could definitely get behind.
“That sounds very, very good, and I think our fans would like the sound of that too.”
Countdown to Freo's first female derby
Freo player Ebony Antonio will realise a dream on Saturday, as she takes the field playing for the club she’s supported her whole life.
“I’ve been a member of the Dockers for 17 years now so to be honoured with a jumper is very important to me,” Antonio said.
As a lifelong Freo supporter, Antonio recognises the importance of facing off in the inaugural women’s derby, and hopes an early result will pave the way for a successful day at Domain Stadium.
“Playing before the derby is a massive honour,” she said.
“Everyone knows the rivalry between Freo and the Eagles, and hopefully playing before can pump up the boys up, and we can both get across the line.”
Those lucky enough to be at the big game are encouraged to get to the game early to support your Freo women's team in the inaugural women's derby.
Entry to Domain Stadium will be from 2:30pm through gate eight and gate 19.
The Fremantle Dockers will be providing up to the minute coverage of the game on the @freodockers twitter account and the clash will be broadcast live on Fox Footy at 3.05pm, just press the red button.
