Fremantle’s AFLW pre-season officially kicked off on Friday night, securing a 56-point victory over West Coast at Lathlain Oval on Friday night in an official match simulation.

Freo were too strong for the Eagles outfit, with the travelling side putting on 10 goals for the match to lead at every break.

A fast rebounding Freo put on a clinical display with early field dominance and control out of the midfield.

FREMANTLE: 10.11 (71)
WEST COAST: 2.3 (15)

Here are three things we saw in Friday night’s action:

Áine Tighe ready to launch in 2024

Fremantle’s 56-point win saw multiple goalkickers across the board, but it was Irish key forward Áine Tighe, who booted three of the 10 majors and stole the show.

Tighe kicked nine goals in her 2023 campaign, averaging 1.1 goals per game, but the 185cm key forward looks like she could build on that tally, providing a dangerous tall marking target inside forward 50 taking several contested marks and competing at ground level.

Speaking post-match, former Eagle Aisling McCarthy reflected on Tighe’s impact.

"I've always known Áine to be a good footballer, especially from a Gaelic background," McCarthy said.

"To see her this pre-season in full flight, she's a real leader, she'll always put the team first, but I think she had a few special moments herself too.

"I’m really looking forward to seeing what she can do this season."

Leaders everywhere

With newly crowned captain Ange Stannett spending the entirety of the 2024 season on the sidelines with an ACL injury alongside experienced midfielder Kiara Bowers, who is pregnant with her second child, Friday night’s win saw several players lift to fill the void of the absent leaders.

New recruit Ash Brazill could be heard from the stands as she marshalled Fremantle’s defensive unit to lock the ball in their forward half, while Tighe played a pivotal role in setting up the forward structure ahead of the ball.

"We have amazing leaders, and I think what's really nice is that they're across all three lines: in the backs, mids, and forwards," McCarthy said.

"When things get hard, they really stand up in their actions, but their communication and effort to connect all lines is really good.

"I feel like I'm learning a lot from them as leaders.

"There was a lot of leadership and communication shown out on the field tonight."

Defensive prowess

Fremantle’s defence proved too good for the Eagles, restricting the home side to a goalless first half and just two majors for the game.

Brazill, alongside fellow new recruits Tunisha Kikoak and Gabby Biedenweg-Webster restricted the Eagles' ability to find targets inside forward 50.

They also demonstrated their own ability to turn defence into attack, consistently launching counterattacks from interceptions.

"They were like a brick wall—anytime the ball went into their inside 50, it was just coming back out, which was really good," McCarthy reflected.

"I think they have great composure; they can switch lanes, and I think a lot of people stood up.

"We had a couple of new girls in Gabby (Biedenweg-Webster) and TK (Tunisha Kikoak), slotting in there as well, and they did really well."

Fremantle will now take on Collingwood on Saturday 17 August at Fremantle Oval in the Club’s official pre-season practice match before playing Essendon in round one.