It was another big occasion in a string of landmark moments for Fremantle’s NAB AFL Women’s side.
On Friday morning, the squad boarded a Virgin Australia flight across the Nullarbor ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Western Bulldogs at VU Whitten Oval.
For captain Kara Donnellan, it was difficult to not keep smiling while addressing a throng of media at Terminal 1 of Perth Airport.
“We’ve been training since November, but I’ve been looking forward to this moment since I pulled on the boots at the age of nine,” Donnellan beamed.
“It’s just really exciting, I can’t wait to get up stairs and be around the girls and jump on the plane.”
Donnellan has experience in leading a side in big games, taking the Swan Districts WAWFL side to two premierships over past the three years.
With a large crowd predicted alongside a live national broadcast, Saturday’s game is likely to eclipse anything that’s come before, and Donnellan said the side has addressed how to stay level headed in the moment.
“I spoke to the girls after training last night and said that we only get one opportunity,” Donnellan said.
“We don’t know what could happen tomorrow so I just said to enjoy the time out there.
“There’ll be nerves no doubt, and I’ll be nervous, too, but it’s about controlling it and using it to our advantage.
“As soon as we get our hands on the footy after the first bounce, I’m sure those nerves will escape, and we’ll focus on hitting the scoreboard.”
With commentators naming the Bulldogs as one of the pre-tournament favourites, the task won’t be easy. Despite never seeing the Dogs in action, Donnellan understands the capabilities of many individuals in the side.
“I’ve played alongside some (of the Bulldogs players) and against some of them,” Donnellan said.
“They’ve got a fantastic list, and they’ve been working really hard, just like we have.
“I assume it will be a pretty tight contest, and whoever wants the ball more at the end of the day, and puts in a four quarter effort will get the job done.”
“We did a bit of opposition analysis last night on how we expect them to play, so we’ve got a bit of background on their players and their team as a whole.
“That said, we’re a bit more focused on how we’re going to play the game and our roles for the team, and we’ll go from there.”
While the obvious aim is to take the four points back to Perth, Donnellan knows there’s plenty more to appreciate from the bigger picture.
“Hopefully, we’ll get a few moments (before the bounce) to soak it up and understand what’s about to happen,” Donnellan said.
“It’s the first ever time that a female team will wear a Freo jumper and play in an AFLW game, so we’ll take a few seconds to soak it up and then it’s game on.”
HOW TO WATCH FREMANTLE'S UPCOMING AFLW GAMES
Round 1. Western Bulldogs v Fremantle, 4:40pm (WST) Saturday 4 February at VU Whitten Oval
Broadcast live nationally Channel 7 and Fox Footy
Round 2. Fremantle v Brisbane, 4:05pm (WST) Sunday 12 February (WST) at Fremantle Oval
With free entry, there's every reason to get down to Fremantle Oval to support Freo in their first game at home!
AFLW fixture and broadcast information
