Ebony Antonio has opened up about the heart issue she feared would end her football career.

Emotions spilled over for the All Australian winger when the final siren sounded on her first game of football for Season 7 and her 50th AFLW game in an outstanding career so far.

An inaugural Fremantle Docker, Antonio was making her comeback from a pre-season PCL injury to her right knee, along with a heart scare that left her fearing the worst.

“I’ve had a bit of a heart issue we’ve been able to sort out,” Antonio said

“There was probably a time – the girls were running out for training and I was in the changerooms, in the shower for about 20 minutes balling my eyes out thinking my career was done.

“So to overcome that, have all the tests - and a little procedure - and be given the green light about four weeks ago and then be able to be really careful with my rehab and tick all the boxes along the way, it was really important for me to play a game this season.”

Antonio paid tribute to her support network after her return helped inspire Fremantle’s second win of the AFLW season – a 14 point victory over the Sydney Swans.

“Initially when I first went through the tests, there were real big question marks about what it kind of meant for me,” recalled Antonio.

“There were talks about pacemakers and medications. At times we didn’t know what the ECGs (electro cardio graphs) were reading.

“It was a roller coaster of emotions, but I’m just so glad I had that network around me.

“My wife Kara, the Fremantle girls, my family, Club medical staff, Dr Tane, my cardiologist.

“It was probably a blessing in disguise I hurt my knee, I was able to get all the tests I needed and get this sorted to make sure I am right to continue my career.”

Teammate Kiara Bowers was filled with praise after the final siren of Antonio's return game, highlighting her significance to the Fremantle line-up.

"She is everything (to the team), she is the heart and soul," Bowers told Fox Footy post-game.

"She is incredible. So, I am happy (we could get the win for her)."

Setting the tone early, Antonio sparked the side with a trademark goal on the run just 12 minutes into the match.

“I had no expectations on the game. I had two focuses – to have leadership and communication out there,” said Antonio.

“To kick the goal so early in the piece was a bit of a surreal moment that gave me a bit of belief and helped set me up for the rest of the game I think.”

Fremantle are now setting sights on back to back wins to finish the season on a high, with Hawthorn at Fremantle Oval to come next Saturday afternoon.

“We have high expectations as a group – regardless of the injuries – we’re better than what we’ve been able to display this season,” said Antonio.

“To finish off strong and take that momentum into next pre-season and season would be great.”