Fremantle have made one change for their round six clash with Melbourne at Fremantle Oval on Sunday afternoon.

Mikayla Hyde will return to the line-up after missing the past two clashes against Carlton and West Coast, replacing the omitted Amy Mulholland in the side.

Fremantle enter the clash following their first win of the season in last weekend’s RAC Derby, while the fourth-placed Melbourne are also coming off an impressive win over Carlton.

Senior Coach Trent Cooper flagged that Hyde’s impressive form in a match simulation for non-selected players last weekend had earned the forward/winger a call up to the starting side.

Meanwhile, first-year defender Madi Scanlon was hopeful of a return after injuring her wrist in Freo’s drawn clash with Carlton in round four but has been sent for further scans.

Freo embracing underdog tag
AFLW Injury Update: Antonio progressing
Match Day Information: Round 6 v Melbourne

“We were hoping Madi Scanlon would come up, but she hasn’t for this week, so we have sent her for further scans,” Cooper said.

“Mikayla Hyde played really well in our match sim against West Coast last week and has forced her way into the side.

“She will come in at the expense of Amy Mulholland, who has shown quite a bit in her five games so far.”

Cooper said the lengthy 10-day gap leading into the Demons clash was a welcome break for the playing group, who have taken the opportunity to freshen up mentally.

“It’s been perfect this time of year, they had a mental freshen up over the weekend and then have been able to come in and have a full week of training,” Cooper said.

“We have had two six-day breaks and a five-day break, so to have that longer break has meant we have been able to have some meaningful training this week.

“We had the train ons down there on Wednesday night, who have been super for us, and to have a full match sim has been really good for us to work on our ball movement.

“I think we are as well prepared as we have been all year.”

Tickets for the clash are still available, which will celebrate the local music scene in Freo with the Southern Sounds event, and feature live performances throughout the day.

Bouncedown for the clash is at 12.10pm WST, with the game broadcast live on the Seven network and Fox Footy, as well as streamed live on Kayo and the official AFL Women’s app.

TEAM v MELBOURNE
IN: Mikayla Hyde
OUT: Amy Mulholland (omit.)

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