Fremantle could be in for a handful of round one debutants for Saturday’s RAC Derby, according to the Kickin’ Back podcast.
Hosts Hayley Miller and Emma O’Driscoll, as well as guest Kara Antonio, all picked a potential debutant from their respective lines, and spoke about why each player deserved a spot in the 21 to take on West Coast.
O’Driscoll said 22-year-old defender Jess Low deserved her place after impressing one-on-one in intraclub matches against Gemma Houghton.
Low stands at just 165cm but already boasts the strength of a seasoned AFLW player after just one pre-season.
“I think JLo (Low), she’s a possibility,” O’Driscoll said.
“I think she’s been training really well, she’s taken it up against some of our big forwards like Gemma. I think her body work is amazing and she puts herself in the best position to win the footy.”
Antonio is excited to see what her young protegee Makaela Tuhakaraina can do at AFLW level.
Drafted at no.38, Fremantle’s third pick in the draft, Tuhakaraina is a fast and agile small forward who is new to the sport from rugby.
“I’ll throw one out for the forward line. I reckon is could be my little favourite – ‘Tux’,” Antonio said.
“I’ve taken her under my wing a little bit this season. I love what she does, so she’s my pick.”
Captain Hayley Miller said Fremantle were set to bring in an exciting midfield addition.
“I’m going to go with Dana East. She reminds me of Turbo (Kiara Bowers), she’s like a young version of Turbo,” Miller said.
“As long as she gets a bit of confidence in her, her tackling is next level and I think she’ll drop forward a little bit. I hope she gets a run in, whether it’s this weekend or some very soon.
“I think all the young girls, pretty much all of them are putting their hands up to be selected.”
Teams will be announced at 2.30pm on Friday afternoon via fremantlefc.com.au.
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