Lisa Webb has credited the Fremantle playing group she has the responsibility of leading as some of her biggest inspirations in life, alongside her closest friends and family.
The new AFLW Senior Coach took to the stage at the Club’s International Women’s Day Luncheon on Friday at the Crown Perth ballroom, presented by Programmed.
Webb was appointed to the role last month and became just the second former AFLW player, after Port Adelaide's Lauren Arnell, to become a senior coach.
She shared her immense passion in wanting to drive the team towards the ultimate success during her tenure.
“The players (are my inspiration) even though I am older and have that kind of ‘mum role’,” Webb said.
“I look at them sometimes and just think ‘these girls work incredibly hard.’
“I care for our players and I want this Club and team to improve. It’s something I am so passionate about.”
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Vice-captain Ange Stannett also featured on stage, sharing the excitement of Webb’s appointment and heaping praise on her leadership abilities.
Stannett said some of her most impressive individual performances had come under the tutelage of Webb, who has led Freo’s backline as an assistant coach in recent seasons.
“I don’t think there is anyone that is not excited to have Webby onboard with us,” Stannett said.
“She has been at the Club as a player, she was there in my first year as assistant coach and for me personally, I know that I played some of my best football under her when she was our backline coach.
“I know the fantastic leader and communicator that Webby will be for the whole group.
“I have no doubt she is going to do some pretty amazing stuff at our Club and I’m excited for what the future holds, and for the young girls on our list to be able to experience Webby’s influence as well.”
Chief Executive Officer Simon Garlick added to the delight of having Webb back in purple, after she joined the Western Bulldogs’ AFLW side in Season 7 as their midfield coach.
Garlick shared insight on what made Webb the pick from a number of candidates in the mix for the senior coaching role.
“Lisa was a clear standout candidate for us. Her capabilities of a coach, technically she is incredibly strong and the contemporary AFLW coach clearly has to know the game,” Garlick said.
“Coaches are expected to be fantastic football minds, but also build rapport and relationships. That came through incredibly strong with Lisa - she is wonderful at connecting people.”
While the next AFLW season is still the best part of six months away from beginning, Stannett said it hadn’t stemmed any hunger amongst the players to stay fit on the track and in the gym throughout an extended off-season.
“Try keep the girls still, you won’t!” Stannett said.
“Everyone is buzzing, but it has been a really good chance to rest and refresh with the off-season being a little bit longer than it has been the past couple of seasons.
“Everyone is ready and raring to get into games which is still going to be a bit of a wait, but it is even more exciting now that we know Webby is going to be head coach.
“Bring on round one because I know the girls are really excited.”
