Fremantle have announced that Tunisha Kikoak will make her AFLW debut against Essendon in the Club’s week one clash at Windy Hill on Saturday 31 August.

The 19-year-old versatile utility was signed by Fremantle in the off-season as a replacement player for superstar Kiara Bowers who announced her pregnancy with her second child earlier in the year.

The 180cm tall has impressed since joining the Club in May, with her commitment to improving a standout factor during her short tenure.

Speaking following the announcement, Kikoak couldn’t hold back her excitement.

“I found out on Tuesday after training. Everyone was pretty nervous… I didn’t know what to expect,” Kikoak said.

“We’d had a great session, and I was pretty ready to have an ice bath, but Webby (Lisa Webb) announced it to the group (that she’d make her debut).

“It was the best feeling. All the girls got around me and it was really good.

“I just want to bring my competitiveness just to win the ball, work aerially to win it.

“It’s going to be a physical game against a tough opponent, but I can’t wait.”

Since being recruited by Fremantle from her native Tasmania and making the move West, Kikoak said the last few months had been a whirlwind.

“It’s been an incredible few months already,” Kikoak said.

“To be playing round one after only being here three months is pretty surreal.

“Mim (Strom) has been amazing, she’s guided and educated me in so many different ways.

“Pughy (Laura Pugh) has been great. I chat to her regularly, but all the girls really have just been so supportive and great for me.”

Speaking on the trip to Melbourne, the 19-year-old said she was looking forward to getting to play in front of her mum and sister, who will be making the journey up from Tasmania.

“My sister is making a quick trip then is going back to play in her grand final. I’m super proud of her,” Kikoak said.

“I’m super excited to see her and mum, they’ve been my biggest supporters since ever, so I’m really happy they’ll get to be there."

Kikoak joins Gabby Newton, Ash Brazill and Aish McCarthy as the four new faces to Fremantle's AFLW side, with the final team of 21 to take on Essendon to be announced at 4.20pm WST on Thursday.