Dana East is enjoying a newfound confidence in her football as she thrives off an increased level of responsibility in the Fremantle engine room.

The inside midfielder has taken on extra responsibility in the absence of midfield regulars Kiara Bowers and Gabby O’Sullivan at times over the first month of the season.

Bowers missed rounds one and five through knee soreness, while O’Sullivan returned against Richmond having not featured since round two due to a shoulder dislocation.

Friday’s clash with the Tigers was just the 25th outing in the AFLW for East, a stark reminder of her talent and attributes at just 20 years of age.

East tallied 15 disposals (including six intercept possessions) to go with her four clearances, three inside 50s and 270 metres gained against the Tigers as she featured among Freo’s best.

“As much as I’d rather Turbo out there with me, (the extra responsibility) does help with my confidence,” East said.

“I’m a bit of a confidence player, and I’ve really started to step out of my comfort zone.

“This season has really tested me, and I do really enjoy having that opportunity.

“The coaches put a bit on me this game to try and get in and under and more around the ball, I think I did a pretty solid effort today.”

East also had a front row seat to the performance of her close friend in Makaela Tuhakaraina who booted two crucial goals in the tight contest against the Tigers.

Finding herself out of the starting side since Freo’s round one fixture, Tuhakaraina slotted into Freo’s attack seamlessly with her hunt and pressure.

“Tux and I are pretty close and we work pretty tightly together,” East said.

“We are both confidence players, and it was great to see her getting thrown into that role after missing the last few games and seeing how she performed today with her electric speed and dangerous sidestep.

“I was so pleased she was able to get those two goals.”