Steph Cain’s time at Fremantle has come to an end with the 25-year-old intending to take up an opportunity to join Essendon’s expansion side for Season 7 of the NAB AFL Women’s Competition.

Cain was an inaugural Fremantle AFL Women’s player and notched 44 appearances for the Club.

Bob Murphy, who oversees Fremantle’s AFLW operations and performance, said Cain had been a highly valued player at Fremantle.

“It’s obviously a blow to lose Steph, who we value highly and is one of the hardest running and skilful wingers in the AFLW,” Murphy said.

“While we’re disappointed to see her go, we respect her decision to commit to taking up the opportunity offered to her at Essendon and wish her all the best.”