New senior coach Lisa Webb spoke candidly when addressing her players at Fremantle’s AFLW season launch on Saturday at the Fremantle Maritime Museum.
Webb said Fremantle’s success wouldn’t be defined by the Club’s stars who have stamped their authority in the AFLW in recent seasons, in the likes of league and four-time Club Fairest and Best Winner Kiara Bowers and 2022 All Australian Hayley Miller.
Instead, Webb called on the whole group to work together as Fremantle target a return to finals after a 12thplace finish in Season 7.
“We want to win, we're really determined to do that and the girls are stubborn in a good way. They're going to do the work and are leaving no stone unturned,” Webb said.
“Something I'm challenging them continually over the next month is that we're not going to be defined by our best few players, we're going to be defined by how well our group is going - not just this next four weeks before round one, we want to go as far as we can go in the season.
“I truly believe if we're a connected group that's got full of faith and trust in what we're doing, I believe anything is achievable.”
The former player and former teacher said her new role at the Club was the ‘dream job’ for her.
“I thought teaching was my dream job, but (this has) been fantastic,” Webb said.
“I can't thank you girls enough for welcoming me in. I have a few things that I'm trying to instil in them and they've been nothing but fantastic and are taking everything on board.”
The launch was held just hours after Fremantle’s first hitout of the pre-season, with the players taking part in a four quarter match simulation 29 days away from their round one RAC Derby clash at Fremantle Oval.
Webb said she was proud of how well the players had bought into the new system.
“I truly believe in what we're doing here and I think the important thing is, the players understand where we're heading and they've jumped on board,” Webb said.
“I think today was a real taste of that, they really showed signs of taking that game plan on board and I've really been proud of it.
“Over the next few weeks, we'll really see where we're at.”
