Fremantle’s AFLW side was treated to a tour of Optus Stadium on Monday with their historic clash with Collingwood just under a fortnight away.
38,000 tickets have already been sold to Freo’s clash with the Magpies on Saturday 10 February, but touring the empty stadium was enough to blow the side away.
“I’ve got butterflies in my stomach,” said new Freo recruit Jade Demelo.
While vice-captain Amy Lavell has her sights firmly set on the round one clash with the Western Bulldogs on Sunday, she said her family and students at Perth College are already enjoying the hype for the first Australian Rules game at the new venue.
“Mum bought about 30 tickets I think! She’s pretty excited and the family’s raring to get to the first home game,” Lavell said.
“I’m told I’ll have lots of students, too.
“I’m having the term off (to focus on AFLW) but I think the principal’s already promoting the girls to come down on Saturday night so I think I’ll see a few signs and a lot of support.”
The tour included a look at the facilities the side will have access to for the game, including an extensive warm-up area, lecture theatre and hot and cold recovery pools.
“It’s amazing. It’s exciting to have the opportunity to play here and use the world-class facilities and be the first footy team to be able to play here,” Lavell said.
“I think that’s fantastic.”
Tickets to Fremantle’s clash with Collingwood are $2 through Ticketmaster. There are no booking fees and tickets include free public transport.
