A nine-point loss to the top of the table Adelaide Crows at Fremantle Oval on Saturday will only add to Freo’s hunger as they look to lock in a spot in the NAB AFL Women’s Finals Series, according to vice captain Ange Stannett.
Next Saturday’s clash against Melbourne at Optus Stadium becomes even more crucial with what is set to be a meetup between two top four teams in the penultimate round of the season.
Freo looked to have the Crows on the ropes with a two-point lead at three quarter time and the wind at their backs to start the final quarter.
But after an arm-wrestle all game, the Crows landed two quick blows with goals to Danielle Ponter and Ashleigh Woodland to put a lock on top spot.
“We always want to be able to win, especially on home soil in front of the Purple Army,” Stannett said.
“Adelaide is obviously a top side and I think our best footy could have beaten them today, if that’s not fuel for the rest of the season, I don’t know what is.
“Hopefully we come out stronger, take our lessons from that game and look ahead to Melbourne.”
The Crows dominated the inside 50s 43 to 16, leaving Freo’s rock solid backline to keep the team in the game.
Stannett said she was proud to see her fellow backs hold strong all game.
“Our backline had to stand up in quite a few moments there, they had a huge number of inside 50s,” Stannett said.
“We wanted to go into the game being absolutely ruthless and not give them too many short lead-up hits and kicks on goal.
“Unfortunately they managed to get a couple in there. I think we held strong and again, there’s lessons to learn, but I’ve been so proud of how our backline has stood up throughout the season and we’ll continue to do that.”
Stannett also praised midfielder Stephanie Cain who racked up 22 disposals – seven more than her previous career best – as she switched from the wing to the inside.
“It was good to see Caino on the inside there today, she’s an absolute workhorse every single round,” Stannett said.
“When she’s out on the wing she doesn’t get as many disposals. She’s a great user of the ball so we love to see her get the ball in her hands more.”
Fremantle played the game in their 2022 AFLW Indigenous Jumper, designed by Mikayla Morrison and her uncles Des Headland and Kevin Bynder – a local Indigenous artist.
Stannett hoped the team’s effort did the occasion justice.
“Today was extremely special, it means so much for our Club to be connected to our indigenous history, culture and especially at Fremantle Oval,” Stannett said.
“To have Morro help design this jumper and to be able to wear it, it’s an extremely proud day and we wish we could have got the win in the jersey but unfortunately we didn’t.
“It doesn’t take anything away from our performance today in the jersey and the respect that we gave it.”
