The inclusion of midfielder Dana East will be Fremantle’s only change to their week 7 side who will take on the Blues in the pride clash at Fremantle Oval on Saturday afternoon.
The young gun returns after missing the last two matches, as she was placed under concussion protocols following a collision during the week 5 clash with St Kilda.
East has been named on the interchange bench and replaces Mikayla Morrison who has been omitted and named as an emergency for the match.
Senior Coach Lisa Webb spoke to the media on Thursday morning, touching on what East adds to Fremantle’s midfield.
“She’s pretty handy – she’s first at the contest, she’s really complimentary to our inside mids and I think one we’ve missed over the last few weeks,” Webb said on East.
Webb touched on the current forward line dynamic, which continues to shape itself and grow as the side moves forward each week in the absence of Áine Tighe.
“We’re consistently trying to work through. Gabby (O’Sullivan) is trying to put up her hand to play down there, but we obviously like what she offers inside mid as well,” Webb said.
“With Easty back, that gives us another look with our inside mids.”
19-year-old recruit Tunisha Kikoak has kicked the first goal for Fremantle in the last three matches, cementing her role as a key scoring target in the group.
“She’s so raw, she’s still only 19. She’s incredible in her strength in the contest, and we’re just trying to give her different ideas as to how she can continue to present,” Webb said.
“She’s always in my office trying to learn different ways in her forward craft. She’s one that’s got a bright future ahead of her.”
Fremantle will don a special edition Pride guernsey designed by Fremantle’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion working group (DE&I), who represent the diverse community within the four walls of the Club.
“It's our fourth pride round jumper – (which represents) connection and collaboration, and everything (goes) back to that beautiful anchor,” Webb said.
The last time Fremantle faced Carlton was in Season 2022b, where the match resulted in a draw (32-32).
Hayley Miller will captain the side in the absence of Ange Stannett who has been managing her coaching role from the bench.
