Fremantle have welcomed back six names to bolster their squad ahead of Sunday’s round ten clash with Gold Coast at Fremantle Oval.
Reigning AFLW fairest and best winner Kiara Bowers headlines the inclusions, joining Gabby O’Sullivan, Kara Antonio, Ebony Antonio, Emma O’Driscoll and Roxy Roux as welcome additions to the Fremantle line-up.
The six will come into the line-up to replace; Matilda Sergeant (AFL concussion protocols) and Makaela Tuhakaraina (managed), while Tiah Toth, Bianca Webb, Ann McMahon have all been omitted.
Mikayla Western also comes out of the side, who is ineligible for selection after being used as a top-up player in last weekend’s match against Melbourne.
Bowers returns for her first AFLW match in over a month, while the Antonios, O’Driscoll and O’Sullivan return after missing last week’s encounter with Melbourne through the AFL’s Health and Safety Protocols.
Roux also returns for a spark up forward, after completing her rehabilitation of a hamstring injury.
Fremantle will be looking to make a statement and bounce back from two straight losses as the 2022 NAB AFLW Final Series looms just around the corner.
Senior Coach Trent Cooper said it was great to welcome back the calibre of the six inclusions.
“We are really excited to have those six players come back into our team,” Cooper said.
“It’s great not only for their ability to impact as individuals, but in particular the leadership and effect they will have on the rest of the team.
“It also gives us coverage across all three lines and makes us more versatile than what we have been recently.”
Bouncedown for the clash is at 2.10pm WST, with the game broadcast live nationally on Fox Footy, while also being streamed live on Kayo and the official AFL Women’s app.
TEAM v SUNS
Defenders: Laura Pugh, Sarah Verrier, Ange Stannett, Aine Tighe, Jess Low
Midfielders: Ebony Antonio, Kiara Bowers, Steph Cain
Forwards: Dana East, Gemma Houghton, Mikayla Hyde, Sarah Wielstra, Jasmin Stewart
Followers: Mim Strom, Hayley Miller, Gabby O’Sullivan
Interchange: Maggie MacLachlan, Airlie Runnalls, Roxy Roux, Emma O’Driscoll, Kara Antonio
Emergencies: Bianca Webb, Tiah Toth
