Fremantle have added eight players to their AFLW ranks following Tuesday’s NAB AFL Women’s Draft, held at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.

Fremantle’s draft haul was headlined by no.4 pick Jasmin Stewart, who won Claremont’s WAWFL best and fairest in 2018.

With their second round pick, Fremantle selected WA U18 captain Sabreena Duffy, who was named in the All Australian team following the conclusion of the NAB AFLW National State 18s Championships.

Philipa Seth (East Fremantle), Courtney Stubbs (Subiaco), Parris Laurie (Claremont), Laura Pugh (West Perth), Matilda Sergeant (Claremont) and Ebony Dowson (Peel) were Fremantle’s remaining picks.

AFLW manager Darryn Fry said Fremantle were able to add versatility to the lineup while targeting the best available WA talent. 

“We’re really happy with the players we’ve been able to add to the squad,” Fry said. 

“We’ve brought in some versatility which is critical in an AFLW program. Versatility has certainly been at the forefront of our discussion while also looking at getting the best talent. 

“Each player provides a specific skill set and at the same time we’re really confident we’re bringing outstanding people into the organisation.

“We see that as being a really important part of our list management.”

Fremantle opted not to utilise their ninth and final selection of the draft.

One space remains available on Fremantle’s primary AFLW list, and Fry said the club will look to sign a player as a free agent in the coming days.

“We’re still making some decisions on that final spot and part of that is we have the right to exercise that last pick through free agency,” Fry said. 

“We have two days following the draft to make that final list position and we’ll utilise that while we’re still looking at who’s in the mix.”

JASMIN STEWART
Pick no.4, 19-years-old, midfielder.
Occupation: Student – Comms and Psychology at UWA
AFLW senior coach Trent Cooper’s comments: Jasmin’s an in-and-under left footer, which is a great addition to our side. She goes in really hard at the ball and she has a really penetrating kick, so I’m looking forward to seeing what she can add to the team. She was a state 18s captain two years ago and had a great year for Claremont this year. We’re expecting her to be putting her hand up to play in round one. 

SABREENA DUFFY
Pick no.17, 18-years-old, midfielder/defender
Occupation: Game development officer
Cooper’s comments: Sabreena was the U18s captain for WA this year and was named All Australian off the half-back flank. She’s extremely versatile as she can also play forward and through the middle. She has good skills and is just a genuine footballer. She’s been playing footy for her whole life, she loves the game and will add a lot to our list.

PHILIPA SETH
Pick no.28, 24-years-old, defender/midfielder
Occupation: Physiotherapist
Cooper’s comments: Philipa was arguably the most improved player in the WAWFL this year. She did a great tagging role in the WAWFL grand final and can play at half-back and through the midfield. She’s very fit and we can see her adding a lot to the team in a variety of roles. 

COURTNEY STUBBS
Pick no.39, 27-years-old, midfielder
Occupation: Teacher
Cooper’s comments: Courtney has recently returned to football after a career in athletics and basketball. She’s very fast, very explosive and plays through the middle and also up forward. She had a great year for Subiaco and she’s another player who will add a bit of pace to our lineup.

PARRIS LAURIE
Pick no.49, 23-years-old, ruck
Occupation: Teacher
Cooper’s comments: Parris adds to our ruck stocks and will give us great support for Alicia Janz. She was drafted from Claremont and was leading the WAWFL fairest and best before she went away this year. She’s very mobile for a ruck and gets around the ground really well. 

LAURA PUGH
Pick no.57, 25-years-old, defender
Occupation: Occupational therapist
Cooper’s comments: Laura had a very good year for West Perth this year. While she can play a number of roles, she’s best utilised as an intercept defender. Laura gives us a lot of flexibility if we need to move other players around the ground. She’s also a very good user of the ball.

MATILDA SERGEANT
Pick no. 62, 19-years-old, midfielder
Occupation: Student - Teaching
Cooper’s comments: Matilda played in the state 18s this year where she had a fantastic game against the Allies and was picked in the All Stars game, where she performed at a high level against the best 18’s in Australia. She’s a very clean and skilled player who had a good season for Claremont and we see her as being a player who can have a long career at our club.

EBONY DOWSON
Pick no.64, 28-years-old, defender
Occupation: Teacher
Cooper’s comments: Ebony was drafted from the Peel Thunderbirds. She had an impressive year and gives us some important run off half back. She was a train-on last year and has applied herself to gain a spot on our main list.