Fremantle will have an RAC Derby debutant with winger Joanne Cregg getting the news she will play her first AFLW game on Sunday at Fremantle Oval against West Coast.
The Irish national, who moved to Australia in March 2022 to work as a doctor, has enjoyed a rapid rise in her transition from Gaelic Football to Australian Rules.
It took just 13 months for Cregg to find herself on an AFLW list. She initially played for Wembley B-grade amateurs where she was best on ground in the grand final, before being picked up by Subiaco in the WAFLW and then to Fremantle.
A self-described sports fanatic, Cregg’s growth has been no accident through her dedication to learning the game while balancing her work at Perth Children’s Hospital.
Cregg found out the news during a video of family messages for the players leading into round one, with Senior Coach Lisa Webb providing a message at the end to tell Cregg she would be playing.
“I’m completely in shock to be honest and I wasn’t expecting anything to be announced tonight, let alone to be told I’m making my debut. I’m very excited,” Cregg said.
“It was pretty emotional just to see everyone’s family showing the support for everyone, then at the end it showed Webby announcing that we had a debutant and it was going to be me!
“The reaction from the girls…it was so exciting and that’s the culture that we have here are the Club.
“We’re one big family and the fact that I can’t share this with my actual family back in Ireland, I still get to share it with my Freo family here which is just as special.”
Cregg said there was a chance some of her family will make the journey to Australia to see her in action later in the season.
“They’re going to be so excited and so proud,” Cregg said.
“They know how important sport is to me and I’ve always been a sports person at heart.
“To see me excel in this sport as well, they’re going to be so proud and excited.”
Webb was full of praise for the effort she has seen from Cregg since she was selected at no.21 in the AFLW Supplementary Draft in April.
“She’s been extremely consistent and a really hard worker,” Webb said.
“She works within the team structure and understands the game plan. She’s got a long and penetrating kick and also a great personality. She’s a great addition to our team.
“I take my hat off to her seeing her go from amateurs to Subi in the WAFLW to play round one with Fremantle.
“She’s put so much work in and I’m really proud of the work she’s put in to execute and play her role.”
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