A season ending injury to Tiah Haynes has resulted in Fremantle adding Coastal Titans defender Brooke Whyte to their list ahead of Sunday’s clash against the Adelaide Crows at Fremantle Oval.
The addition of Whyte ensures the club has 24 fit players to choose from during the NAB AFL Women’s competition.
Senior coach Michelle Cowan said Whyte was on Fremantle’s radar during the draft period, and comes in as a hard-working versatile player.
“Brooke’s trained with us for the last two weeks and was someone we looked at during the draft process, and was unlucky to miss out,” Cowan said.
“We gave her some feedback and some key areas we’d like her to work on in regards to her game, and she’s worked hard and has gotten her opportunity.
“We’re excited to have her on board as she gives us some versatility. She can play through the midfield as well as in the backline for us.”
Whyte turns 27 the day before Sunday’s game, and boasts an impressive resume in women’s footy - representing Fremantle against West Coast at last year’s exhibition match, and both the Western Bulldogs and Melbourne in the recent exhibition series matches.
Brooke Whyte in action for Fremantle at last year's exhibition game against West Coast
Haynes, who dislocated her shoulder against GWS last Saturday in Blacktown, has joined Kim Mickle and Brianna Green on Fremantle’s long-term injury list - with all three ruled out for the season.
Haynes will undergo surgery on her shoulder next week, while Mickle successfully underwent surgery on her knee on Wednesday night, and was discharged from hospital on Thursday morning.
A Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist in javelin, Mickle remained upbeat about her future prospects in sport.
“The leg’s back intact, this morning the surgeon told me it went really well,” Mickle said.
“He’s really excited about what’s to come.”
Mickle had a hybrid double-bundle knee reconstruction, which differs slightly from the most common knee reconstructions.
This particular surgery helps Mickle keep her knee strong and recover in time for Mickle to be ready for the 2018 Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast.
While she still has high hopes for her athletics career, Mickle remains dedicated to Fremantle and her teammates.
“You hear about people who ‘bleed purple’ but (my teammates) legitimately do,” Mickle said.
“They’re amazing and to be a part of that group with what they’re doing now, I don’t want to leave that.
“If I can lend a hand I will, and Michelle wants to get me to do some workshops with them, so I’ll still be around.”
