Fremantle have made two changes to their line-up for Saturday’s round two AFL Women’s clash with Geelong at Fremantle Oval.

Laura Pugh and Sarah Wielstra will come into the side to replace injured duo Janelle Cuthbertson and Jess Low.

Cuthbertson (broken nose) and Low (concussion) collided in a nasty head clash in the second quarter of Freo’s season opener against Brisbane last weekend, playing no further part in the game after half-time.

Pugh returns after receiving a one-match suspension in Fremantle’s preliminary final loss to Adelaide in Season 6, while Wielstra comes back in for her fourth career game.

The game will be Fremantle’s first home game of Season 7 and will mark 937 days since they last faced Geelong in round one of the 2020 NAB AFLW season.

Senior Coach Trent Cooper said it was great to bring the calibre of Pugh and Wielstra back into the side.

“We’re really looking forward to Laura coming back in with her backline play and her communication in helping the rest of our team defence,” Cooper said.

“Sarah comes in to give us another ruck and forward option. With some height going out of the side, it’s great to have her come back in.

“Jess is going really well after entering the concussion protocols…we’re hoping she will be available for round three.

“Unfortunately, Janelle did show signs of delayed concussion upon further testing, and she is now in the protocols as well and will be unavailable for the next two rounds.”

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Cooper said his side was particularly excited to be back playing in front of the home Purple Army on Saturday, marking an important day for the Club with Fremantle’s AFL side playing in an Elimination Final later that evening at Optus Stadium.

“We love getting down to Fremantle Oval with the drums and the atmosphere that the fans create,” Cooper said.

“We are really looking forward to running out there on Saturday for what is obviously, a really huge day for the Club.”

Bouncedown for the clash is at 11.40am WST at Fremantle Oval and will be broadcast live into Perth on 7Mate and on Foxtel, as well as streamed live on the official AFL Women’s app.

FREMANTLE TEAM
IN: Laura Pugh, Sarah Wielstra
OUT: Janelle Cuthbertson (concussion), Jess Low (concussion)

Defenders: Madi Scanlon, Laura Pugh, Sarah Verrier, Emma O’Driscoll, Ange Stannett
Midfielders: Airlie Runnalls, Hayley Miller, Philipa Seth
Forwards: Nikki Gore, Amy Franklin, Roxy Roux, Aine Tighe, Megan Kauffman
Followers: Mim Strom, Gabby O’Sullivan, Kiara Bowers
Interchange: Amy Mulholland, Mikayla Hyde, Dana East, Sarah Wielstra, Orlagh Lally
Emergencies: Tara Stribley, Bianca Webb, Tahlia Read

GEELONG TEAM
IN: Laura Gardiner
OUT: Rachel Kearns (injured)