Over the first eight rounds of the 2024 WAFLW season, 12 Fremantle AFLW players have taken part, using their off-season time to get some games under their belts.

AFLW Senior Coach Lisa Webb said it has allowed these girls to gain experience in other positions and get some football in with pre-season right around the corner.

“Between Darryn Fry (AFLW List Manager), Peter Bell and myself, we’ve been to a lot of football over the last four rounds of WAFLW and it’s pleasing to see our players get back to their WAFLW clubs and make an impact,” Webb said.

“It’s been a great block for us, especially with pre-season just around the corner.

“We put our girls through some different challenges and playing positions which they’ve embraced.”

Ari Hetherington (South Fremantle – rounds 2, 3, 4, 7)
Ruck/forward Ari Hetherington continued to make an impact at her old Club in rounds 4 and 7, making a notable appearance in round 7 with 18 disposals and six marks.

“Ari’s been sensational – she’s had a really solid block of training and now games as well. She’s been really consistent in her performances,” Webb said.

“We’ve been really impressed with some of her contested work, and her ability to adapt to different roles, she's been a great role model for those aspiring to play AFLW."

Meg Kauffman (West Perth – rounds 2, 3 4)
Midfielder/forward Meg Kauffman has shown consistency in her three rounds in WAFLW for West Perth and was voted among the best for her side in rounds two and three.

Kauffman also had a stand-out performance in round 4, racking up 25 disposals, five tackles, and two goals.

“Meg is a great leader and trainer, and she has done an absolute mountain of work,” Webb said.

“With Meg’s tennis background, I know we’ve said this before, but her ability to work around contest, chase, and her entries inside 50 has been so pleasing to see.

“She’s been a standout performer, and we look forward to her continuing to develop and compliment our midfield this season.”

Phil Seth (East Fremantle – rounds 6, 7, 8)
Voted best on ground for rounds 6 and 8, defender Phil Seth has demonstrated her versatility to play anywhere and take on any challenge.

Booting three goals in round 8 as well as taking six marks and 18 disposals, Webb said her ability to play across different lines makes her a great asset for Fremantle’s side.

“I was worried she was getting lost there for a while when she went forward and kicked three goals,” Webb said.

“Phil is always about embracing the challenges and working as a team. Her leadership to support the younger players is a great quality she has as well.”

Tahleah Mulder (South Fremantle – rounds 4, 6, 7)
Heading back to her roots at South Fremantle, midfielder Tahleah Mulder was a consistent performer in all three rounds, awarded best on ground in round 6 and among the best in rounds 4 and 7.

Round 6 saw Mulder amass 19 disposals, five tackles, four inside 50s and boot two goals.

“Tahleah is another one who has embraced the challenges of going back to her old Club and working with inside mids who she hasn’t played with before,” Webb said.

“She is improving her craft work and covering the ground well.

“I think she’s in fantastic condition to hit this pre-season running.”

Jae Flynn (East Fremantle – rounds 6 & 7)
Defender Jae Flynn made two appearances for her old Club, with a notable 16 touches and eight tackles in round 7.

“Jae’s a fierce tackler and a really strong competitor, and it’s good she’s getting some experience under her belt in the WAFLW,” Webb said.

“She’s developing really well, whether that’s forward on the wing, or defensively and she’s been able to add another string to her bow in this off season.”

Jo Cregg (Subiaco – rounds 4 & 6)
With one AFLW season under her belt, midfielder Jo Cregg continues to go from strength to strength. Playing for Subiaco in rounds 4 and 6, Cregg racked up 15 disposals.

“For Jo to go back to Subi and have another strong impact on the wing is great to see,” Webb said.

“Her continued development has been really pleasing to see for someone who’s still fairly new to the game.”

Holly Ifould (South Fremantle – round 4)
New Fremantle recruit, Holly Ifould made her WAFLW debut for South Fremantle in round 4, making her mark with 12 disposals.

“It’s fantastic for Holly to get her debut. As a young 18-year-old coming over, she’s made a significant impact on this group,” Webb said.

“She’s living with a couple of teammates now and she’s settled in beautifully and we’re really happy with her willingness to consistently learn and grow as a player."

Serena Gibbs (East Fremantle – round 4)
Key forward Serena Gibbs headed to East Fremantle, booting two goals for her old side in round 4.

“We know Serena’s got some really strong assets, with a long kick and strong marking hands, which she has showcased,” Webb said.

“It was also exciting for her to get back to East Fremantle and play with some of her former teammates, and she’ll only continue to improve as we get into pre-season.”

The AFLW pre-season will officially begin from Monday 3 June.