Two ACL injuries and 973 days later, forward Mikayla Morrison will headline Fremantle’s starting line-up to take on Geelong on Tuesday evening, alongside utility Gabby O’Sullivan who will return following her one-match suspension.
Morrison was drafted at pick no.30 in the 2020 NAB AFLW Draft and made her debut in round four of Season 6 against the Western Bulldogs.
The 22-year-old has been named on the interchange bench and has four AFLW games to her name after having missed two seasons from rupturing her left ACL in 2022, and her right in 2023.
AFLW Senior Physiotherapist Brett Fletcher announced the long-awaited news to the squad at the end of Monday afternoon’s captain’s run at GMHBA Stadium.
“Playing football, we always speak about how it’s a privilege to put on the jumper, and that we have to earn our right to play this game we love, and no one has done it more (than this person), so I’m really excited to see Morro run out!,” Fletcher said.
Morrison replaces Makaela Tuhakaraina who has been omitted and named as an emergency for the match, while O’Sullivan replaces Dana East who was ruled out after sustaining a concussion during Fremantle’s week five clash with St Kilda.
O’Sullivan has been named in the midfield, after an impressive week four performance at home against Melbourne; amassing 16 disposals, nine tackles and three goals.
Senior Coach Lisa Webb spoke to media on Monday morning and provided an update on East.
“(Dana) is going well, obviously the challenge is that concussion, but Gabby O’Sullivan looks like the one to bring in for that.” Webb said.
“It is disappointing for Easty, she’s been banking some really strong performances.”
Laura Pugh will captain the side in the absence of Ange Stannett, who will manage her coaching role from the bench.
Joanne Cregg and Tahleah Mulder join Tuhakaraina as the three listed emergencies for the match.
Bouncedown is at 5.15pm WST, with the game to be broadcast live on Channel 7 and Fox Footy, as well as being streamed live on Kayo Sports.
