Fremantle have made three changes ahead of their blockbuster clash with Melbourne at Optus Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Joining debutant Sarah Wielstra in the side are the returning Bianca Webb and Matilda Sergeant.
The trio will replace small forward Mikayla Morrison, who sustained an ACL injury earlier this week, as well as pair Gabby O’Sullivan and Amy Franklin, who will miss the clash under the AFL’s Health and Safety Protocols after being deemed close contacts.
The Club will continue to take a cautious approach with the return of Kiara Bowers from a minor knee complaint, with Bowers expected to be available for the first week of the NAB AFLW finals series.
Fremantle will be looking to avenge last year’s qualifying loss to the Demons, defeated by 17 points at Casey Fields, which ultimately ended Freo’s 2021 season.
Senior Coach Trent Cooper said it was great to see all three have strong recent performances in the WAFLW.
“Bianca and Tildi both benefited from being back in WA and being able to play some WAFLW,” Cooper said.
“Bianca Webb has had a really interrupted season with injury and has been building her fitness through the WAFLW and getting back to the form we know she can play to be one of our really good midfielders.
“Tildi obviously missed games through the concussion protocols. I thought she was one of Claremont’s best players in the WAFLW last week and is back to her best in terms of intercept marking and we know that she has got that composed ball use.
“Sarah has been super competitive in the ruck for Swan Districts and won a heap of hitouts both weeks, but she can also play forward and do some damage there.”
Cooper said it was disappointing to lose O’Sullivan and Franklin for the clash after being deemed as close contacts, but is expecting the pair to be in contention for selection in round ten.
“It's the landscape we live in, particularly for AFLW players that work outside of football,” Cooper said.
“They are both fine, fit and ready to go but they will miss this week under the Health and Safety Protocols, and we look forward to the pair putting their hands up for selection next week against Gold Coast.”
Cooper also gave an update on Bowers’ progress, with the reigning AFLW Fairest and Best winner returning to running this week.
“Kiara is back running, and she did a really good session on Thursday night,” Cooper said.
“We are obviously being conservative with Kiara given her history (with knee injuries) and her importance to the team.
“She is on track to return for the first week of finals, and we will re-assess whether there is any chance of that being any earlier later next week.”
Bouncedown for the clash is at 4pm, with the game broadcast live on the Seven Network, Fox Footy and also streamed live on Kayo and the official AFL Women’s app.
The clash will set the scene as part one of a Saturday night Optus Stadium double header, with cross-town rivals West Coast to take on the Western Bulldogs at 6:40pm WST following Freo’s match.
TEAM v MELBOURNE
Defenders: Laura Pugh, Emma O’Driscoll, Sarah Verrier, Aine Tighe, Jess Low
Midfielders: Ebony Antonio, Ange Stannett, Steph Cain
Forwards: Bianca Webb, Gemma Houghton, Kara Antonio, Sarah Wielstra, Makaela Tuhakaraina
Followers: Mim Strom, Hayley Miller, Tiah Toth
Interchange: Dana East, Jasmin Stewart, Mikayla Hyde, Airlie Runnalls, Matilda Sergeant
Emergencies: Maggie MacLachlan, Ann McMahon
