Fremantle have finalised their team for Sunday’s season-opening clash against Brisbane at the Gabba.
Four AFLW debutants have been named in Megan Kauffman, Madi Scanlon, Amy Mulholland and Orlagh Lally, while Club debutant Nikki Gore will also feature after being acquired from reigning premiers Adelaide over the off-season.
It will also be the first opportunity to watch dominant midfield duo Hayley Miller and Kiara Bowers in action since the preliminary final in Season 6, with the pair missing both of the pre-season matches over the past month.
Philipa Seth also looms as one to watch with her first taste of AFLW footy in 2022 after missing the entirety of last season with an ankle injury.
The clash will mark Gabby O’Sullivan’s 50th AFLW game, the second women’s player to achieve the milestone feat for Fremantle.
After not meeting in Season 6, it’s the first time the two sides will meet since round five in 2021 – while it’s also Freo’s first game played at the Gabba in the women’s competition.
AFLW Senior Coach Trent Cooper said he was eager to see a number of players elevate to the next level in Season 7.
“We’re really excited to see what our debutants can do on the big stage this Sunday,” Cooper said.
“They are going to be really important to us if we want to challenge those top sides - the likes of Amy Franklin and Dana East – they have had really good pre-seasons and we think they are ready to go.
“Phil is one of the big beneficiaries of the season being brought forward, she has been champing at the bit and hasn’t missed a session. She has trained really well and I’m looking forward to seeing her run and carry.”
Double good onya energy at The Gabba today 👍 #AFLW #foreverfreo pic.twitter.com/cJfzoIigXh
— Fremantle Dockers AFLW (@freodockersAFLW) August 27, 2022
Bouncedown for the clash is at 2.10pm (12.10pm WST) and will be broadcast live into Perth on Channel 7 and nationally on Fox Footy.
It will also be streamed live on Kayo or the Official AFL Women’s app.
TEAM V BRISBANE
Defenders: Jess Low, Janelle Cuthbertson, Sarah Verrier, Emma O’Driscoll, Ange Stannett
Midfielders: Airlie Runnalls, Hayley Miller, Philipa Seth
Forwards: Gabby O’Sullivan, Amy Franklin, Mikayla Hyde, Aine Tighe, Megan Kauffman
Followers: Mim Strom, Dana East, Kiara Bowers
Interchange: Amy Mulholland, Orlagh Lally, Madi Scanlon, Nikki Gore, Roxy Roux
Emergencies: Sarah Wielstra, Tara Stribley, Bianca Webb
