Senior coach Lisa Webb spoke to media following Fremantle’s Semi-Final loss to the Crows, and praised the group that never gave up.

“I can’t express how incredibly proud I am as a coach of this group; the girls never gave up fighting,” Webb said.

“Every challenge we’ve thrown at them, no matter what it is, even today with some setbacks, we’ve just managed to fight our way through.

“Obviously Adelaide are a great team and their experience worked us over in the end.

“Once again, (I’m) just really lucky to be the coach of this group and it’s just the start for us.”

A season that wasn’t shy of injury-woes for Fremantle did not stop the connected group from battling it all the way to the end.

“We’ve put some really strong foundations in this year, shown incredible growth as a group and setbacks and injuries have actually allowed the rest of our group to continue to grow,” Webb said.

“As the season progressed, it was just next player up. Of course, we have great empathy for those who were out.

“I’ve said it numerous times I absolutely adore these players.

“They make me a better coach, they’re incredibly brave, incredibly connected and are sticking together.”

Webb raved about Ange Stannett, who took up a game-day coaching role and captained the side off-field while managing an ACL injury.

“(I was) having a moment with Ange Stannett before and she’s just been superb for us,” Webb said.

“She’s led this group incredibly well. What a challenging year for her to be a captain of this team.

“I’d often send her texts just saying she’s a really strong reason why we’re going the way we are and hopefully that’s the last game she sits out.

“She rallied the troops and spoke to them post-match about how we should be disappointed, of course, we never wanted it to end this way, we love hanging out and playing together, but it’s time for a well-earned rest.”

As Fremantle’s off-season begins, Webb said the squad will continue to stay connected as they take a break and reset for 2025.

“I think we just need to continue to stay together in terms of (being) a connected group,” Webb said.

“As I said from the start, these girls have been working their absolute backsides off for a long stint now and they really deserve a rest to be able to rejuvenate.

“They fight, they’re a really well-driven group (and) they deserve a big break and then they’ll be ready to go when the time is right.”