Fremantle trio Mim Strom, Emma O’Driscoll and Aisling McCarthy have each received recognition for their outstanding 2024 campaigns, being named in the AFLW All Australian team.
A maiden selection for Strom and McCarthy, Strom has been named as the ruck and McCarthy at half-forward.
This is O’Driscoll’s second appearance in the All-Australian team, with the defender receiving the honour in back-to-back seasons and has been named at centre half-back.
RT this to let everyone know how good Mim Strom is.
— Fremantle Dockers AFLW (@freodockersAFLW) November 9, 2024
unbelievable numbers.#foreverfreo #AFLWFinals pic.twitter.com/h2RDQQqfqt
Strom had an outstanding season, breaking the league’s hitout record in a single game with 48 in week 1, equalling it in week 8, and breaking it again with a massive 55 hitouts in Fremantle’s elimination final match against Essendon.
The ruck also broke the record for most hitouts in a regular AFLW home and away season, with 390 across 11 games.
Named in last year’s All Australian squad, Strom has had a career-best season, averaging 16.8 disposals, 37 hitouts, 10.4 contested possessions and 4.4 clearances across the 11 games.
Boasting an impressive athletic ability, Strom averaged 88 per cent time on ground across the home and away season, often acting as a fourth midfielder for the squad.
Head of AFLW Claire Heffernan said she was pleased for Strom, who continues to go from strength to strength each year.
“Mim has had an exceptional year, and we are thrilled that she has been rewarded with her maiden All Australian selection,” Heffernan said.
“A student of the game, she works very hard on her craft and is the ultimate professional, constantly pushing herself to improve as a footballer.”
In McCarthy’s seventh year in the AFLW, but first at Fremantle, the midfield gun fit in seamlessly with a career-best season.
The Irish recruit continued to break her own records with 14 tackles in week 1, 516 metres gained in week 6, three goals in week 9, and 29 disposals and eight clearances in week 10.
McCarthy finished the season as Fremantle’s leading goalkicker as her impact on the scoreboard was felt throughout 2024.
The 28-year-old averaged 8.5 tackles per game and finished fifth in the league overall with 93 tackles for the season.
“Aish has been a wonderful addition to our program, and we are so happy that she has been recognised for her outstanding season in her first year as a Docker,” Heffernan said.
“Aish goes about her business quietly but is also fiercely competitive and a footballer who inspires her teammates when she plays.”
Like last year, O’Driscoll led the league in intercept possessions - totalling 94 across 11 games – and is known for her ability to intercept and create momentum off the backline.
O’Driscoll had her best season performance in week 4 against Melbourne, being a key piece to Fremantle’s win after the siren and holding up the defensive wall with 21 disposals, 11 intercept possessions and 417 metres gained.
“Emma has had another wonderful season, consistently playing with determination and tenacity every time she steps onto the field,” Heffernan said.
“Emma is now a two-time All Australian, which is an incredibly well-deserved honour and a reward for all of her hard work.”
The AFLW All Australian team of 21 players was announced at the W Awards on Monday 25 November.
The All Australian panel consists of Andrew Dillon (Chair), Laura Kane, Emma Moore, Josh Mahoney, Erin Phillips, Gemma Bastiani, Eliza Reilly, Sarah Black, Kelli Underwood, Jason Bennett, Megan Waters, Katie Loynes and Narelle Smith.
