Modest Fremantle match-winner Aine Tighe has paid tribute to retiring AFLW great Kara Antonio after a stirring five-point win over Hawthorn.

The towering Irish forward kicked four goals – including two in the final term - after Freo trailed by 11 points at three quarter time.

“Doesn’t really matter who kicks the goals,” Tighe said.

“It was nice to get on the end of a couple and for Juddy (Kara Antonio) to kick two as well in her last game and sign off in style.”

“She’s had a phenomenal career and deserves that day out.”

Tighe admits she was a little confused when Antonio headed to the boundary fence to high five SEDA College teaching colleagues after slotting her first goal into the wind late in the third term

“I nearly lost it when she went celebrating after her first – I thought hang on, we’re still two goals down,” said Tighe.

“She enjoyed the moment and took it all in.

“I think it was important to make sure she went out on a high.

“To get across the line today in front of the Freo faithful was very, very nice.”

Tighe’s four goals against the Hawks took her Season 7 tally to 11 as Freo signed off with three wins and a draw.

She believes many players will look back on the season as an important step in their football career.

“We’ve had an awful lot of new players in the side,” said Tighe.

“To get a year under their belts and take the strides forward that we have – particularly in the last couple of weeks - has been really pleasing.

“The more games I can get in the better.

“It’s what we do with gaelic football, play almost all year round.”

After two AFLW seasons in 2022, Tighe says a return trip to Ireland will be welcome after years locked in WA due to the Covid 19 pandemic.

“We’ll come back fitter, faster and stronger and ready to go again in Season 8,” said Tighe.