AFLW Senior Coach Lisa Webb says Fremantle are up for the challenge for this Sunday’s clash with North Melbourne at Fremantle Oval, the team’s first home game since round three.
Following a nail-biting win against Richmond last Friday, Freo are gearing up to face the in-form Kangaroos with a spot in the top eight on the line.
“We’re really pleased that we finished on the note we did against Richmond, but we still know our best footy is ahead,” Webb said.
“It’s been a couple of weeks since we played down at Freo, so we’re really excited for that opportunity.”
Webb said the team are looking forward to the challenge against the Kangaroos.
“We really want to get on the front foot against North Melbourne this week, and it’s great to play them over here as well,” Webb said.
“(They have a) highly talented, really strong midfield, obviously have some great tall (players) that are marking the footy really well.”
Star midfielder Kiara Bowers will again miss this week’s game due to aggravated bone bruising in her knee.
Webb believes Bowers will do everything in her power to get back to playing as soon as she can.
“If she can play, she’ll play. It’s difficult to hold a really great player back, and she’s really determined to whatever she can for the team,” Webb said.
“We’re getting some opinions as to what the best way forward is for her.”
Webb touched on the team’s flexibility in their midfield in the absence of Bowers.
“We back in Hayley (Miller) and Ange (Stannett), and whoever goes inside that midfield to get the role done,” Webb said.
“Easty (Dana East) had her best game for the season last week, we know Meg Kauffman’s playing a strong game in there, and we know Hayley’s a fantastic player as well.”
“We’ve also got some other players up our sleeves that I’d really like to have a look at in that inside mid spot as well.”
“Flexibility across roles is important, and it would be great to find out a bit more about our players through that midfield.”
Vice-captain Ange Stannett has stepped up in all areas on the field, as she has seamlessly transitioned from the back line to a key forward.
“We know what Ange is going to bring every week, and I thought she was exceptional last week,” Webb said.
“She can play forward, she can play back, but now inside mid – we’re really proud of that.”
Gabby O’Sullivan spoke on her vice-captain’s flexibility on the field.
“She’s great – she’s such a utility. For someone like to be able to play anywhere just adds real value to the team,” O’Sullivan said.
The Kangaroos sit third on the AFLW ladder with four wins and one loss, while Fremantle sits outside the top eight on percentage in 10th place with three wins.
