Fremantle’s AFLW season has come to an end after a 37-point Semi-Final defeat to the Adelaide Crows at Norwood Oval.

Fremantle defender Laura Pugh said she’s nothing but proud of what the playing group has been able to achieve this year despite the Club's Semi-Final exit. 

“Adelaide absolutely showed up, but I’m really, really proud of the girls,” Pugh reflected.

“In the first quarter, we were definitely with them and had massive belief even coming out of halftime, but unfortunately, they (Adelaide) were up for it today.

“We’ve got a lot to improve on. We’ll have a nice big break and then get ready to go next year.”

With Captain Ange Stannett and stars Áine Tighe and Kiara Bowers all on the sideline, Freo’s women’s side put together an eight-and-three season before defeating Essendon by 10 points in last week’s Elimination Final.

Pugh still walks away from the NAB AFLW Finals series with a great deal of pride and reassurance from the Freo outfit that the future is bright.

“We pride ourselves on the belief in our entire group with those injuries to some of our core team players (missing),” Pugh said.

“It’s been amazing that people have been able to come in like 'TK' (Tunisha Kikoak) and 'Gabba' (Gabby Biedenweg-Webster) literally a few weeks before the season started and played massive roles.

“I think everyone really stepped up, and it’s a great experience for next year.”

Fremantle’s trade acquisitions of Ashleigh Brazill, Aisling McCarthy, and Gabby Newton all had phenomenal seasons, while ruckman Mim Strom had a career-best season, breaking her own AFLW co-record for most hitouts in a single game (55).

“Massive belief, as I said before. People coming in and playing massive roles, a new and fresh forward line, same with the midfield — new personnel going through there — and they’ve put in a mountain of work to get their connection and flow, and that’s going to put us in great stead for next year,” Pugh said about her optimism for next season.