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Jasmin Stewart has been all over WA in her journey to the AFLW, with Freo’s no.4 draft pick at Tuesday’s 2018 NAB AFL Women’s Draft delighted to be selected by the club she grew up supporting.
The 19-year-old midfielder was drafted from Claremont where she won the Tigers’ WAWFL best and fairest in 2018.
Born in Northam, Stewart’s upbringing saw her and her family move through the Goldfields and Pilbara while she boarded at St Mary’s in Perth.
She currently studies psychology and communications at UWA and stays on campus at St Thomas Moore college.
Stewart paid tribute to her family for helping her realise her AFLW dream.
“It was very overwhelming to get drafted. I’m still in a bit of disbelief but I’m really excited to get started at Fremantle,” Stewart said.
“I always get emotional when I talk about my family with footy, especially as my Mum’s been there for me the whole way, so I’m very grateful.
“My brother played footy and I just wanted to do everything that he did when I was little.
“He always likes to say that he taught me everything I know, but he sort of has. We’re very close and we still kick the footy around now.”
Stewart said she most looks up to Fremantle captain Kara Donnellan and was excited to get to work with her new teammates.
“I’m a midfielder who sometimes swaps out onto a forward flank but I try and get the outside run,” Stewart said.
“I look towards Kara and her strong body while playing on the inside. I’m really excited to play alongside such amazing players and use that to take my footy to the next level.”
As a Freo fan, Stewart said she was most looking forward to pulling on the purple jumper and making the fans proud.
“I’m a Freo Dockers supporter myself, so I know we’re all crazy fans and I’m really looking forward to playing in front of you all,” Stewart said.
Senior coach Trent Cooper said the addition of Stewart will help set the team up for 2019 and beyond.
“Jasmin’s a great addition to our side,” Cooper said.
“We don’t have enough left footers and they’re always handy to have. She goes in really hard at the ball and he has a really penetrating kick, so I’m looking forward to seeing what she can add.
“She was a state 18s captain two years ago, she had a great year for Claremont this year and we’re expecting her to be putting her hand up to play in round one.”