Fremantle’s new-look midfield for 2024 continues to shape itself each week with new inclusions Gabby Newton and Aish McCarthy appearing to fit in seamlessly.
These inclusions have been crucial, as the side has had to adapt without two key pillars this year in Kiara Bowers (pregnancy) and Ange Stannett (knee injury).
Ruck Mim Strom praised the growth and connection between her teammates in the middle when she spoke to media on Thursday morning.
“Working with the mids has been really important,” Strom said.
“I think the introduction to Gabby Newton has been huge to our side.
“She’s that taller midfielder, and when she reaches that hand out, it’s hard to stop her.
“We’ve only been working together for a little while now, obviously with only one pre-season, but I’m super excited.
“We were talking yesterday about how much we were working well together and hopefully that grows.”
Strom pumped up Aish McCarthy, who is set to play her old side in Saturday afternoon’s RAC Derby.
“Aish Mac is obviously a huge in and is going to be big against her old side this weekend, and she’s just a real bull in there for us, which is awesome,” Strom said.
Continuing to go down the list of her teammates in the midfield, Strom highlighted the efforts of Dana East, Gabby O’Sullivan and Hayley Miller.
“We’ve got Easty back and I’ve been working with Easty for a long time,” Strom said.
“She’s kind of my go-to in the midfield, so it’s awesome to have her back.
“Gabby O’Sullivan running through there is amazing, it’s hard to stop her when she’s on the run and I think she’s kicking more goals than ever this year in the midfield.
“Hayley’s huge. I’ve been working with her since the start. We know how dangerous she can be in the mid and going forward.”
Fremantle currently sits sixth on the ladder and will take on the 10th-placed West Coast Eagles on Saturday 19 October at Leederville Oval for the RAC Derby at 4.05pm WST.
Tickets are available for the clash via Ticketmaster.
