Fremantle recruit Mia-Rae Clifford is about to commence her third AFL Women’s season at her third AFL club.
After a season with Melbourne in 2017 and Geelong in 2019, Clifford feels she’s about to be part of something big at Fremantle.
Usually a defender, Clifford switched to a defensive forward role for Geelong and subsequently won the Cats’ goalkicking.
After signing for Fremantle in April, she played a season for Carlton in the VFLW ahead of her trip across the Nullarbor.
Clifford said that the team’s connection stood out after playing against Fremantle for the Cats and Demons.
This included round six of the 2019 season, where Fremantle were 36-point winners against the Cats at GMHBA Stadium.
“You guys out ran us, definitely. I remember us all talking about that at the end of the game,” Clifford said.
“From playing in the first season against you guys when I was at Melbourne to now, I think Fremantle, their culture, the connection you have with each other really stood out. You could tell it out on the field.
“It was amazing and I think you have really great leaders here. Even in the past few days I’ve been here and trained with some of you guys, you can tell there’s something really special and I’m really stoked to be here and be a part of it.”
Clifford is one of 10 new faces at Fremantle this season, joined by new Irish signings Aine Tighe and Kate Flood, as well as the seven new draftees.
The group was welcomed with a lunch at City Beach – a day that Clifford found very beneficial.
“It was a bit daunting walking in and meeting 40 new people but it was so cruisy, the Irish girls were there as well and the new draftees,” Clifford said.
“We had a BBQ, a laugh, everyone was chill and it felt like home straight away.
“It felt really nice to be able to walk into a club and be so welcomed. I felt like I’d been here for six months instead of a few days.
“The beaches here are beautiful, too. I agree with everyone who told me that I would love it over in WA.”
Clifford was lured across to WA by good friend and Fremantle captain Kara Antonio and the pair will have the chance to play together for the first time in 2020.
“I’ve known Kara for a long time,” Clifford said.
“She messaged me and asked if I was interested to move over to Freo. I had a little giggle, thinking she was joking, but she wasn’t. Now I’m over here in the purple. I’m really glad she messaged and that Freo gave me a shot.
“I’ve never actually played alongside her, so I’m really excited to be able to learn from her. Even though I’m older, I know I can learn a lot from Kara, both on and off the field.”
