Fremantle duo Ann McMahon and Jasmin Stewart will return to Fremantle’s line-up for Thursday’s round four clash with Collingwood at Victoria Park.
McMahon slots back in after being managed for last week’s win against Richmond, while Stewart will play her first game of 2022 after missing the opening three rounds.
The pair will replace defender Matilda Sergeant (rested) and midfielder Tiah Toth (managed).
Defender Janelle Cuthbertson will miss her second consecutive match under the AFL’s concussion protocols, after the Collingwood clash was shifted three days earlier to make room for Freo’s additional match against the Western Bulldogs next Tuesday.
This will be the first time Fremantle and Collingwood have met at Victoria Park, with Freo hosting all four previous encounters in WA.
Both sides will be looking to continue their unbeaten streak, after each having won their first three games of the season.
Thursday’s clash is also primed for a hotly contested midfield battle, with the likes of Fremantle’s Kiara Bowers and Hayley Miller going up against Collingwood midfielders Britt Bonnici and Jaimee Lambert.
Senior coach Trent Cooper said McMahon and Stewart were both raring to go against Collingwood.
“Macca’ was just a part of the rotation last week, where we knew it was a possibility that we could be having shortened breaks between games,” Cooper said.
“She is absolutely raring to go and is looking to make a similar impact that she had in rounds one and two.
“Jas has been ready to go since round one and has just been held out of the team by the form of the side.
“She is another one who has trained really well, and she has been our best trainer over here in Melbourne, so she thoroughly deserves her opportunity.”
Bouncedown for the clash is at 5.40pm (2.40pm WST), with the game broadcast live from 5.30pm (2.30pm WST) nationally on Fox Footy and streamed live on Kayo and the AFL Women’s app.
TEAM v COLLINGWOOD
Defenders: Sarah Verrier, Ange Stannett, Laura Pugh, Emma O’Driscoll, Jess Low
Midfielders: Ebony Antonio, Kiara Bowers, Steph Cain
Forwards: Airlie Runnalls, Aine Tighe, Kara Antonio, Gemma Houghton, Makaela Tuhakaraina
Followers: Mim Strom, Hayley Miller, Gabby O’Sullivan
Interchange: Roxy Roux, Ann McMahon, Mikayla Hyde, Jasmin Stewart, Dana East
Emergencies: Matilda Sergeant, Bianca Webb
