Senior Coach Lisa Webb believes Aine Tighe is yet to reach her ceiling despite her dominant performance on Saturday against Hawthorn at Fremantle Oval.
The key forward had a stellar performance in the round three clash, kicking three goals and taking 12 marks for the game.
Tighe fell just short of the all-time AFLW record for marks taken in a game, with Adelaide’s Anne Hatchard holding the current record after taking 14 marks in round two, 2022 (Season 6).
Originating from the Republic of Ireland, Tighe made a smooth transition to Australian Rules footy, and is now onto her fifth season at Fremantle.
Tighe, now recognised as part of Fremantle’s leadership group, spent her first two years at the club injured, after having to recover from two ACL injuries.
Tighe put in the effort behind the scenes to come back charging early last year, finishing off season 2022 kicking a career-high 11 goals.
Senior Coach Lisa Webb believes Tighe can continue to reach new levels in the competition.
“Pretty handy, I think 12 marks in the end, she just goes from strength to strength. I’m excited to see her continue to grow. She’s still got elements of her game, but she’s an important player for our team,” Webb said.
“We’ve got a lot of players that contributed today in different ways, and that’s probably the pleasing thing for me - we can’t always rely on one player and we’re getting there.”
“She was taking her opportunities more today. I think 12 is a good number for her – she probably dropped a few too.”
“She can continue to get better as well, it was an all-round performance.”
Tighe was close to backing up her pervious performance against Hawthorn, kicking four goals in round 10 last season.
Vice captain Ange Stannett said Tighe should now be recognised as one of the league’s most dangerous key forwards.
“She’s unreal isn’t she?” Stannett said.
“It’s hard for her to fly under the radar anymore when she’s putting in the performances she is.
“Give her any challenge and she’ll take it on, whether it’s her marking, ground balls, her ability to run, how agile she is.
“She is a very well rounded athlete and it’s so great to have her on our team.”
