Fremantle have made two changes to their line-up for Saturday’s Indigenous Round clash with Carlton at Fremantle Oval.
Midfielder/forward Gabby O’Sullivan will return from a hamstring injury and 2021 All Australian defender Janelle Cuthbertson makes her return from concussion.
They replace the omitted Sarah Wielstra and Mikayla Hyde, who have been named as emergencies alongside Tahlia Read.
The clash will mark the sixth time the two teams have met in the AFLW competition, with Fremantle holding a 4-1 win-loss record over the Blues to date.
Fremantle will wear their 2022 AFLW Indigenous Jumper, as worn in last week’s clash with the Bulldogs, with the design created by AFLW forward Mikayla Morrison, past player Des Headland and local Indigenous artist Kevin Bynder.
The jumper was adapted for Fremantle’s AFLW team this year, including the middle tapping stick, from the men's design, changing to a berry colour.
Senior Coach Trent Cooper said Fremantle's inclusions would be vital for the clash.
"The inclusions of O'Sullivan and Cuthbertson means Wielstra and Hyde are moved to the emergencies. Gabby was very close to playing last week and we erred on the side of caution there. She's had a full week of training and is back and ready to go," Cooper said.
"Likewise, Janelle Cuthbertson has passed all the tests with the concussion protocols and has had a full week on the track and is also ready to go as well.
"Their quality is undoubted and it's great to have that back, but more importantly is the experience they add to an inexperienced line-up.
"As they're able to play across different lines, we're adding experience across all three lines this week, that will be a big benefit."
Cooper said forward Roxy Roux was set for a recall to the line-up, but unfortunately sustained an ankle injury at training.
"Roxy played really well in our scrimmage last week in Victoria, but unfortunately she has sustained what we hope is a minor injury on Thursday night, so she is unavailable for selection," Cooper said.
Bouncedown for the clash is at 12.05pm WST and will be broadcast live on 7Mate and Fox Footy.
The game can also be streamed live on Kayo or the official AFL Women’s app.
FREMANTLE TEAM
IN: Gabby O’Sullivan, Janelle Cuthbertson
OUT: Mikayla Hyde, Sarah Wielstra (omitted)
Defenders: Madi Scanlon, Laura Pugh, Jess Low, Emma O'Driscoll, Ange Stannett
Midfielders: Airlie Runnalls, Hayley Miller, Sarah Verrier
Forwards: Amy Mulholland, Amy Franklin, Gabby O'Sullivan, Aine Tighe, Megan Kauffman
Followers: Mim Strom, Kiara Bowers, Nikki Gore
Interchange: Phil Seth, Tara Stribley, Dana East, Janelle Cuthbertson, Orlagh Lally
Emergencies: Sarah Wielstra, Mikayla Hyde, Tahlia Read
