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Fremantle’s 10-point win over Essendon at Fremantle Oval will see the Club progress to a blockbuster Semi-Final clash against the Adelaide Crows.

On a sunny Saturday afternoon, Fremantle fans turned out in force to see the AFLW side extend their season after coming from four points down at three-quarter time to grind out a hard-fought victory.

Speaking post-match midfielder Airlie Runnalls said the win was a hard-fought arm wrestle.

“Finals really go up a notch, but to see what we did out there and to take that confidence into next week is exciting,” Runnalls said.

02:27

'Our system works' | Airlie Runnalls

Hear from Airlie in the rooms post-match following the incredible Elimination Final win over Essendon

“(The message heading into the last quarter) was to just do what we’ve done all season.

“There have been so many games where we’ve come from behind; we knew we had the wind, so we just had to keep doing what we were doing.

“Our system works, and it worked again today.”

Senior Coach Lisa Webb was again full of praise for star ruck Mim Strom, who was outstanding, gathering 26 disposals, a goal, and 56 hitouts (a new AFLW record).

05:38

Lisa Webb post-match | Elimination Final v Essendon

Hear from Senior Coach Lisa Webb following the Elimination Final win over Essendon

“Sometimes you just run out of words for her; she’s as humble as they come,” Webb said.

“Before the game, you keep her composed, but you really don’t need to because she’s got that look in her eyes. She’s extremely focused on what she needs to do.

“We’ve got to continue to look after her because she obviously gets a lot of attention, and she’s really important for us.”
Fremantle now face Adelaide in a Semi-Final clash, with the two sides last meeting in week two of the 2024 season, with the Crows emerging victorious on the day.

Both Webb and Runnalls said the group would carry confidence heading to South Australia.

04:21

Match Highlights | Elimination Final v Essendon

Watch all the highlights from the incredible Elimination Final win over Essendon

“To lose Turbo (Kiara Bowers), Áine (Tighe), and Ange (Stannett) throughout the season was pretty big, but to bring new players in and for them to do their role— we just have so much belief in this whole group of 32 players to get it done,” Runnalls said.

“It’s another opportunity to play a great team, whether it’s home or away, we’re ready to go,” Webb concluded.

It will be the first time Fremantle’s AFLW side has played in a Semi-Final since the inception of the 18-team competition.
The AFL will announce the date and time for Fremantle’s clash with the Crows at the conclusion of all week one finals matches.